Pain Relief With Massage Therapy. Massage
therapy can help those who suffer from pain and
the associated muscle tension that those who
suffer from diseases like osteoarthritis
feel.
Joint pain is another common ailment that
massage can relieve. Massage can boost your
circulation that will decrease the symptoms of
joint stiffness and promotes cartilage
repair.
The therapist will not massage the inflamed
joint but the muscles that surround the
affected joint. Those who are in pain reduce
their movement and physical activity levels.
Reduced activity level increases stiffness and
pain.
Its a vicious cycle. How does massage break
the pain sensations? The rubbing interferes
with the pain signals that are making there way
to the brain. Massage also stimulates
endorphins, which are morphine-like substances
that relieve pain.
Massage also puts the client into a very
relaxed state, and improves circulation which
gives more oxygen and other forms of
nourishment to the muscles which then relax and
decreases the sensation of pain.
Some of the additional benefits of massage
for those who suffer with arthritis are that it
can soothe stiff muscles, reduce the
inflammation and swelling of joints and gently
stretch or maintain the range of motion for
joints. Pain relief from massage depends on
several factors.
These factors include the type of massage
being done, the reason for pain management, and
the knowledge or level of skill of the massage
therapist. All of these factors combined is
what leads to pain relief for the client.
One massage method that is especially useful
for those that suffer the pain of arthritis is
Swedish massage. This type of massage is also
called "classic" massage.
What you will experience as a massage client
of Swedish massage is the stroking, kneading,
friction or rubbing as well as vibration from
tools during your massage session.
These techniques are useful in increasing
blood flow that results in reduced swelling.
Relief of muscular aches and tension can also
be felt during this type of massage.
The client will also experience physical
relaxation and emotional or psychological
relief and a reduction in stress
levels.
One by-product of reduced pain is that the
person can move more easily and is able to do
more exercising and activities that help to
reduce inflammation and the movement can
increase the range of motion in joints.
When a person moves more they reduce the
inflammation and pain felt which without pain,
they are encouraged to move even more. Pain
management is therefore the key to improving
the overall health of a person suffering from a
chronic pain disease.
Massage has been determined by studies to be
an effective pain reducer.
Despite the benefits of massage, it cannot
undo or reverse the arthritis, what it can
do is give the patient back the ability to
manage pain and improve range of motion.
It is important to carefully screen the
therapist to be assured that they possess
the licensed or certificate qualifications
that will support their ability to handle
the needs of the arthritic client.
Theraputic Massage Terms and
Facts.
Massage is an
essential part of a recovery
program for sports injured
athletes because the improved
blood flow, relaxation and
other benefits of massage help
improve injury recovery
times.
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Massage done incorrectly can lead to
serious harmful effects. Check for not only
the license or certificate, but how long
they have done massage for arthritis
patients.
Massage also can aid other pain management
like that which is encountered by sports
participants, bodybuilders, dancers, and
pregnant women.
Relief of pain leads to emotional and
mental well-being that benefits the whole
person.
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