Can massage help arthritis?

Living with constant joint pain, you may be wondering – can massage help with arthritis? Arthritis can be a frustrating and painful condition. Its main symptoms are chronic joint pain and stiffness, which can make daily movements difficult and uncomfortable.

Image source: Pixabay

There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, which causes the cartilage that protects the joints to break down, and rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system mistakenly targets the lining of the joints. Both types of arthritis cause inflammation and pain in the joints. While massage won't completely resolve this type of joint pain, it can help relieve symptoms of both types of arthritis.

1. Does massage help arthritis?

Massage can help relieve arthritis pain and improve joint mobility. Massage can help relieve arthritis pain and improve flexibility in muscles, joints, and tendons.

Numerous studies have shown that massage is an effective temporary treatment for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can help improve pain, reduce stiffness, and make it easier to complete daily tasks.

A 2017 study found that most people with knee osteoarthritis experienced improved quality of life and range of motion after receiving Swedish massage. A 2018 study also found that biweekly massage significantly improved pain, stiffness, and function in people with osteoarthritis.

Image source: Pixabay

2. How does massage help arthritis?

So how exactly does massage help relieve symptoms of arthritis? The science isn't clear.

Massage is great for reducing anxiety, and it can be great for reducing some pain conditions, but we don’t know how these things happen. Research also suggests that massage helps the body relax by reducing stress levels — so massage may not actually help relieve joint pain directly. The exact mechanisms at work are still under investigation.

As those who live with the disease know, rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, or "flare-ups," can be triggered by a range of factors. Many experts believe that massage can not only help with pain, but also help reduce the frequency of flare-ups by reducing stress.

3. What type of massage is best for arthritis?

There are several types of massage that can be beneficial for arthritis, depending on the individual’s needs and goals. Hot stone, deep tissue, and even sports massage — including trigger point and myofascial release — can be beneficial.

0 1 Swedish Massage

When you think of massage, you probably think of Swedish massage. This relaxing massage involves long, slow stroking and kneading movements. Several studies have shown that Swedish massage can be particularly beneficial for people with osteoarthritis, and a 2017 study found that it helped arthritis patients with knee pain relax and complete daily tasks.

0 2 Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release is a treatment method that involves applying sustained pressure to targeted areas of the body to release the interconnected fascia tissue that connects muscles to bones. In a 2011 study, a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who received six myofascial release treatments over a six-week period reported improvements in pain, fatigue, and overall quality of life.

Image source: Pixabay

0 3Reflexology

Reflexology has also been found to be an effective treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis. A 2018 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis reported significantly less pain and improved sleep after six weeks of foot reflexology. Another 2010 study also found that reflexology can improve fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

0 4 Deep tissue

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but usually requires more pressure to reach deeper into the muscle tissue. This type of massage may also help people with both types of arthritis. However, most professionals recommend avoiding overly vigorous massages, as moderate pressure has been shown to be most effective.

0 5 Hot Stone

In a hot stone massage, the therapist places hot stones on specific areas of the back to help relax the muscles and relieve tension. Hot stone massage is considered a medium-pressure form of massage, so it is often considered beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

0 6Sports Massage

To date, there has been little research on the benefits of sports massage for people with arthritis. However, sports massage is generally similar to deep tissue massage—just be careful to let your therapist know that you need moderate pressure if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Many studies have shown that massage therapy can be beneficial for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As always, we always recommend that you discuss with your doctor whether massage therapy is right for you before starting a new treatment plan.

Source: Chongqing Tianji Network Co., Ltd.

This article is compiled from Tencent Medical Dictionary, Tencent Medical Dictionary Her Knowledge, People's Daily Science, CCTV Life Circle, Dingxiang Doctor

Statement: Except for original content and special notes, some pictures are from the Internet. They are not for commercial purposes and are only used as popular science materials. The copyright belongs to the original authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete them.