Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, reduced quality of life, and high costs to the health care system. It limits the normal activities. The good news is that recent studies suggest that massage can help relieve arthritis pain and increase mobility.
More than 2,000 years ago, Greek physician Hippocrates wrote that doctors should be experienced in “Rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too hard.” Today, massage is still a popular way to manage arthritis pain. At My Massage Place, our professional massage therapists help improve joint movement, relax tense muscles, and stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and underlying tissues. What’s more, this relaxation helps break the cycle of pain and stress that often accompanies arthritis.
Ultimately, massage may be shown to lessen a patient’s reliance on medications and decrease health care costs with a treatment that is not only safe and effective, but cost effective.
A common thread between arthritis sufferers is lack of deep sleep. Tiffany Field, PhD and director of the Touch Research Institute noted that, “When you are deprived of deep sleep, certain kinds of pain chemicals are released.” With regular massage, our professional therapists can actually help you get more deep sleep. “It’s this deep sleep that’s truly important because that is where the restorative process is happening,” says Field. This is doubly important, as not only can ongoing massage help you sleep better, but it can also decrease your pain during the day.
At My Massage Place, we understand that there are many forms of arthritis, it’s a chronic condition, and there is no cure. Our professional massage therapists use several different massage modalities, each of which is customized to help with your specific needs. Most importantly however, we practice constant communication before, during, and after each session. This ensures that our professional massage therapists properly understand your tolerance level, and that you receive a massage that is both relaxing and therapeutic every time. If you ever have questions or concerns with whether massage is right for you, please consult your doctor.
Not only does each session feel great, but the therapeutic benefits are compounded when massage is utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you go, the healthier you feel.