Arthritis and Massage

06 April 2023

Millions of people worldwide are affected by arthritis. There are different types of arthritis so it is really a blanket term for differing degenerative joint conditions.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is often referred to as the 'wear and tear' arthritis because the cartilage within the joints starts to wear and break down which in turn can change the bone that lays beneath. Excessive wear and tear is to blame but also it can occur due to a past trauma in the effected area.

It usually effects weight-bearing individual joints such as the knees and hips. The lumbar spine is also commonly effected as well as the joints in the hand.

Rhematoid arthritis

The cause of rhematoid arthritis is not known but it is thought to be a breakdown in the auto-immune system.

It is different to osteoarthritis as it is believed that the condition starts on the outer layers of tissue and moves inwards. The condition itself is massively well understood.

How can massage help with arthritis?

Arthritis can be painful and uncomfortable. Massage can help reduce pain and manage painful symptoms.

Massaging the muscles around a painful joint can help improve the functionality of the joint. Muscles around the joint may become very tight and uncomfortable and massage can help reduce the tension.

Massage techniques can break down knots and adhesions and help to break down scar tissue.

Treatment can help to slow down any further changes and prevent the condition getting any worse.

Oral medication is the most common form of treatment. Physiotherapy is offered in extreme cases but because the condition is so common it is not readily available to everyone who suffers with arthritis. That's really where we step in and our clients can come and see us for some help to manage it.

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Author: Cross Massage Therapy