Massage Techniques for Arthritis

Doesn't matter why it's disappeared, but one of the quickest ways to get it back is with massage. Your smile, that is. We need lots of smiles; they're one of the simplest ways to make sure we have a constant stream of endorphins, otherwise known as the "happy hormones".

Lots of things cause a rush of endorphins, like sun and smiles; just smiling for no good reason at all is enough. Just do it, and even if you hate every minute of it, your body will reward you by producing those endorphins, and you'll end up feeling better whether you like it or not.

Pain Relief

If you've got arthritis, feeling better is certainly something you'll be wanting. But you'll be even more interested in the other huge effect of those endorphins – pain relief. You don't have to rely on sex or a sunny day; a smile and some massage are quicker. The two together will beat every other form of treatment.

Short and specific massage can be an effective way to quickly reduce pain. You'll get even better results if you use essential oils such as black pepper, ginger, juniper and rosemary as part of the treatment, adding them to the soaking water, massage oil or moisturiser. 

Massage Therapy for Arthritis

Massage therapy can be used as part of a treatment plan to reduce pain and increase mobility and flexibility, which will improve how you feel. If done correctly, it can relieve the symptoms of arthritis, allowing your joints and muscles to move freely. The benefits of massage therapy for arthritis include:

• Improves range of motion and flexibility
• Increases blood circulation
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Decreases joint pain and stiffness
• Promotes better sleep quality
• Reduces stress levels
• Relieves pain

Massage Techniques For Self or Therapist

Arthritis affects how you go about your daily activities. The good news is, there are various massage techniques that can help different types of arthritic conditions better than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers. For one, people with arthritis can benefit loads from a regular massage without dealing with any long-term side effects. Also, the effects of massage go beyond addressing painful arthritis symptoms. Some of them you can do yourself, while others will require the expertise of a massage therapist. 

Wrist or small joint

Fill a basin with hot water and soak the hand and wrist in it for 10 minutes. Take it out and dry. Sit up at a table so you're supported. Rest the elbow and hand of the sore side on a table in front of you, palm down. With the middle 3 fingers of the other hand, make slow deep circles  in the tissue, covering the whole area.  Turn the hand over and repeat on the other side. Turn back to first side. Place your other hand flat on top of sore wrist, and with thumb under the sore wrist, push tissue up the forearm as though pushing up a sleeve. This helps to push fluid out of the tissues. Repeat this several times. Finally, massage your favourite cream into the area, adding a drop or two of ginger, peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil.

Hand massage

Hand massage is effective whether you do it yourself or have it done by someone else. No special technique needed. Just slowly massage one finger at a time, with or without oil, using the thumb and index finger of the other hand.  Use tiny circles to cover each finger minutely, starting at the tip and working up towards the wrist.  Using oil to which you've added ginger essential oil will enhance the effects of the massage. It can be done equally well dry. Finish each finger as with the wrist massage – pushing the fluid out of the finger toward the wrist, then use moisturiser with an added 1 drop of peppermint essential oil.

Foot massage

Put a towel on the floor under a basin. To the basin of hot water, add a handful of marbles or smooth pebbles, and 5 drops each of juniper and ginger essential oils (dissolved in 1 tablespoon of milk). Soak quietly, then after a few minutes, start moving feet over the stones, one at a time. There's no rush, just move them as much as you comfortably can. Try to pick up the stones with your toes. When you're ready, lift your feet out onto the towel, and drop another towel on top. They'll dry without you having to bend down.

Hot stone massage

Best left to a therapist. This massage will give you a level of relaxation and pain-relief that you'd probably forgotten was possible. The combination of warm stones, warm oil  and  massage is a perfect way to loosen up stiff sore joints. You'll have to work at getting the smile to disappear after this one.

Trigger point massage therapy

This type of therapy has been shown to be helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis as it specifically targets tightness and stiffness created by muscle tension. It can also reduce osteoarthritis symptoms in the knee. Trigger points are knots in muscles that cause chronic pain. A massage session of this kind helps release the knot, making it easier for movement. It is also thought to reduce how much pain you feel by increasing blood flow near the affected area.

There are many ways to use trigger point therapy to relieve chronic joint pain caused by arthritis because every patient has different triggers and problems areas. This massage technique works best when combined with other therapies because it does not target relief for long periods of time.

Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage for arthritis works on the deeper layers of muscles and addresses muscle pain or tension around arthritic joints. It involves a variety of techniques that are beneficial for different types of arthritis. The cross fibre friction technique stimulates muscle activity and circulation to increase blood flow, which speeds the healing process of a painful joint.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is another deep tissue method that's good for treating osteoarthritis in the fingers, toes, knees and low back. Myofascial release is a technique that reduces pain levels in the joints associated with fibromyalgia or arthritis.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

This massage technique is often used to reduce edema as treatment focuses on the lymphatic system, allowing for a reduction of pain and increase of motion. Lymphatic massage improves lymph flow and stimulates joint fluid, otherwise known as synovial fluid, which lubricates joints. It is especially beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, a common form of arthritis that affects multiple joints at once. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis lose the functions of their joints drastically and the colour of the skin surrounding these areas change.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is used for those with osteoarthritis in the back and joints. It can make a significant improvement in pain, alleviate stiff muscles and improve energy levels. It also improves sleep quality and reduces feelings of depression. Swedish massage can also improve how someone's body moves and functions over time because it relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow and circulation.

There are several ways to find relief from arthritis pain through massage therapy, including making an appointment with a massage therapist or practising self-massage at home. When you make an appointment, look for a licensed practitioner who specialises in a wide range of massage techniques. If you want to practice self-massage, remember how much pressure is too much before going overboard.

Regardless of the type of arthritis you may be suffering from, there are many types of massage therapy that can work well to induce relaxation and reduce the pain associated with the condition. If you can add in your own quick and free treatments, you can look forward to a lot more comfort. And that's comfort on demand. Of course, a professional treatment is an important part of your management plan, and if you watch how the therapist works, you might pick up some more good tips. 

Find a massage therapist in your area and see how you can benefit from a professional treatment. Or check out other effective natural treatments for arthritis.