Massage therapy for chronic rheumatoid arthritis treatment is designed to ease painful symptoms and provide other positive effects as well, such as stress relief and relaxation. Massage therapy can be very beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients, but the practitioner must be familiar with the disease and know exactly avoid causing the sensitive client any further discomfort.
Identification
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks parts of a person's body, in this case the joints, which become inflamed and swell. The most common difficulties involve the hands and feet, although rheumatoid arthritis can affect elbows, shoulders, neck and jaw, ankles, knees and hips. Other areas of the body can also be affected, including internal organs, and tear and salivary glands. The condition can make people feel ill or fatigued, and it can cause a fever. It is different from the more prevalent osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease seen especially among older people.
Benefits
Massage therapy for chronic rheumatoid arthritis can improve quality of life for the individual affected. It not only reduces pain and inflammation, but can increase circulation, enhance flexibility and mobility, and relieve muscle aches. It also is an excellent therapy for relieving stress and reducing blood pressure.
Considerations
Massage therapists who work with rheumatoid arthritis patients must be knowledgeable about the disease, because this disorder makes joints very sensitive. Massage on inflamed areas will mainly involve light stroking, and the therapist also works with passive movement to relieve stiffness.
Hot Stone Therapy
Another technique for chronic rheumatoid arthritis treatment is placing heated stones on specific body points to relieve pain and stiffness, and to relax muscles. These stones are polished rocks, hardened lava or basalt stones, which are rich in iron and absorb and retain heat very well. The therapist may gently stroke or massage affected areas with the heated stones.
Expert Insight
Massage therapy decreases pain and improves gripping ability for people whose arthritis affects their hands, according to a study conducted at the University of Miami School of Medicine (see Resources). These people received massage therapy on their hands once a week for 4 weeks, and also performed daily self-massage on their wrists and hands. Another study, published in the "Journal of Pediatric Psychology," showed a decrease in stress hormone levels, anxiety and pain in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who received massage therapy from their parents each day (see Resources).
Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, Massage therapy, arthritis patients, chronic rheumatoid, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, heated stones, massage therapy