Arthritis Massage

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease.

In Western medicine, arthritis is seen as a disease in itself. In Alternative or Eastern medicine, arthritis is seen as a symptom of some underlying conditions. It is a sign that your body is not in balance.

Osteoarthritis is divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis develops gradually from excessive wear on the joints, but the specific factors that lead to the condition are not well understood. Repetitive stress to the joints of the hips, knees and hands in certain occupations could play a role in creating the problem for some clients.

As the cartilage in a joint deteriorates the bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. The joint may begin to lose shape. Small bone spurs called osteophytes may grow on the edges of the joint. Inflammation may or may not be present. The pain may act like a roller coaster, with pain spells followed by periods of relief. These symptoms almost always begin gradually, taking years until the pain is severe enough to be reported to a doctor. OA is commonly found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine, and is rarely found in joints of the wrist, elbows, shoulders or jaw.

Tight muscles can put more stress on certain joints making it harder for the joint to move properly. Poor posture is usually a result of weakness in muscles. Tight muscles are weak muscles.

Poor eating habits with diets high in sugar, simple carbohydrates can influence the health of your joints and muscles.

Joint degeneration may progress to points beyond healing and surgery may be the last option. Catching the first signs of arthritis early and learning to take better care of yourself can keep you from having to have knee or hip replacements. Of course your doctor will be able to help you better in such choices.

Contributing factors such as estrogen levels, cortisol levels, being overweight can influence the degeneration of joints.

Getting regular massage can help relax the tight muscles that surround the joints and take the pressure off of the joints thereby relieving pain associated with arthritis.

See also my page on my other site for massage therapists -www.thebodyworker.com on Arthritis Massage.

Research on Massage and Arthritis: Massage can ease arthritis Pain from the Massage Therapy Foundation (for massage research)

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