Massage Therapy And Osteoarthritis Of The Knee
As the largest and most complex joint in the body, the knee is a common place for people to develop osteoarthritis.
One randomized controlled study found that participants who received an eight-week massage therapy intervention for symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee had significant improvement when compared to those who received usual care.
A similar study of 125 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee showed that a one-hour course of massage given for eight weeks provided better pain relief than usual medical care. Even when compared to just exercise, researchers found that patients with knee arthritis pain who received massage therapy with exercise showed significant improvement on the pain scale, get-up-and-go test and the WOMAC index.
Working With Your Massage Therapist
When attending a massage therapy session, be sure to discuss your needs with the therapist and ask them what treatment is best suited to your condition.
Massage therapy should be conducted in a secure and private area where you have the ability to undress and dress in private. The therapist should not be present at this stage and you will be asked to lie on the table and cover yourself with the appropriate towel or cover. It is normal practice for undergarments to be worn. During the massage, towels or coverings should be used to cover any part of the body not directly receiving treatment.
If you are uncomfortable or unsure at any stage of the massage, be sure to tell the therapist. You have the right to ask the therapist to stop any treatment immediately and decide whether you want to continue with the massage.
Remember, if you experience any discomfort during your treatment, let your massage therapist know. Your massage therapist should also inform you of any effects you might notice following the treatment, such as mild pain, headache or bruising as this can be a normal post-treatment outcome.
What You Should Expect From The Massage
I start my sessions by asking clients which areas they want me to work on. Most massage sessions will take about 50 minutes to an hour on the table. I suggest eating an hour or two before your session and visiting the restroom before getting started.
An hour-long massage can range in cost from $50 to $150, with $80 being fairly typical. Depending on your insurance company and your state of residence, theres a chance the expense could be covered for you .
Most massage therapists will split an hour-long session in half, with the first half involving therapeutic massage and the second half involving relaxation massage.
During the therapeutic massage, the focus will be on the joints that are causing you problems. Most clients with RA need a fair amount of therapeutic massage, but the stage of your disease determines how thoroughly I can alleviate your pain. In the early stages, I can do a lot more to retain mobility in your joints, but if your joints are permanently deformed or calcified, the massage would be more limited.
RA affects every joint in the body, but people tend to notice it first in the smaller joints of the hands and the feet. Depending on your condition, the therapeutic massage will likely focus on your hands, forearms, elbows and shoulders, along with your feet, calves, knees and hips.
You should expect to feel looser and more relaxed for several hours following your appointment.
You May Like: Massage Envy Fort Walton Beach Fl
Lets Get Healed With Healing Ocean Massage:
What is massage?
The stimulation of the bodys natural mucous membranes is known as massage. Palms, fingertips, forearms, elbows, wrists, toes, or a machine are widely used in massage treatments. Massage is most commonly used to relieve stress and pressure on the physique.
Get relaxed with Healing Ocean and their power-packed massages
Healing Ocean Massage is where you can get the best massage with professionals. With our collection of development of powerful treatments to calm the physique, brain, and life force, you may relax, decompress, and rid your skin of injuries, pains, and tension. Learn about the healing advantages of massaging and how they may help you feel better in a relaxing environment. Our professionals are skilled in a range of perineal massages, delivering a steadily rising massage session.
Massage treatment has several physical, physiological, and mental health benefits, so each massaging method provides a distinct experience and set of desired things.
The deep relaxation that a massage promotes is one of the most popular reasons for getting one. Massage causes the brain to release endorphins, which increase sensations of relaxation, serenity, and general well-being. To get all details in detail and if you want a calm, soothing, and high-quality massage then contact us now without any further delay.
Different massages by Healing Ocean
1) Reflexology massage:
2) Trigger point massage:
3) Sports massage:
4) Swadeshi massage:
5) Hot stone massage:
Finding The Right Myofascial Release Physical Therapist
So you can get the best massage treatment and healing for you, try these strategies:
Check the Professional Associations. The Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals and the American Massage Therapy Association are able to provide you with the names and addresses of professionals they recommend in your area, as well as their credentials and qualifications. You can find out if a massage therapist is certified by contacting the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
Look for a Therapist with Experience Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain. A massage treatment therapist with complete understanding of the rheumatoid arthritis disease process is who you want, Ozzie noted.
Be Clear and Upfront About Your Goals. Openly discuss with the therapist what you hope the therapist can achieve for you so you can successfully work together as a team. Ask for Referrals. Talk to your physical therapist, medical providers, or others who also have rheumatoid arthritis so they can recommend a great massage treatment therapist to you.
Read Also: Massage That Will Come To Your House
Choosing A Qualified Massage Therapist
Massage therapists may have different levels of training depending on the type of massage they practice. To be assured that your therapist has formal, accredited qualifications and adheres to a code of ethics, check that they are a member of Massage & Myotherapy Australia or equivalent organisation. When choosing a massage therapist, check that they are also experienced with working with arthritis.
There are two main types of massage therapists in Australia: massage therapists and remedial massage therapists. Remedial massage therapists hold additional educational qualifications and may be able to provide health fund rebates from private health funds .
What Are The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can vary a great deal depending on severity of condition and level of activity. Often deterioration or improvement of symptoms can change regularly with no obvious cause. Here at Liverpool Physio we can treat and advise you on how to cope with some of the following symptoms
- Pain in the affected joints, inhibiting movement.
- Progressive stiffness in affected joints, reducing mobility particularly in the morning.
- Fatigue with bouts of depression and irritability.
- Reduced range of movement from bone thickening or osteophytes.
- Inflammation in affected joints including swelling, redness and heat.
- Your affected joints may fill with fluid and feel tight, especially after using them.
- Sometimes audible creaky joints occur as the cartilage wears away, leaving bone on bone.
- Fever symptoms or chills sensation, especially after physical activity.
- Intermittent swelling tends to effect wrists, fingers and feet first.
Also Check: Hand And Stone Massage Fort Worth Tx
When You Go For Your Massage Treatment
Explain your pain. Be specific about the joints that hurt and how much they hurt. For example, even though moderate-pressure massage is helpful, Millar warned that deep pressure or high heat applied to joints that are actively inflamed could actually make pain and swelling worse. Be sure to tell your masseuse if you feel pain at any time during the massage.
Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Dr. Davis explained that massage with any degree of pressure will affect the water flow in your body and will be more effective if you are well-hydrated. We recommend drinking half your weight in ounces of water, she said. So if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water daily to avoid dehydration.
What Are The First Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
I expected to go back to my job, but whenever I tried to get healthier like exercise or trying to work, I noticed those symptoms were still there but they were way worse. Photo: Eileen Davidson
- Weight loss
- Weakness
Sometimes the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. For Eileen Davidson, who is a Canadian advocate for rheumatoid arthritis patients , she had spent most of her twenties thinking that her chronic joint pain in her hands were from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Before she had the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Davidson was working as an esthetician in Vancouver, B.C., in her early twenties.
After many years of working in pedicures, massages, and facials, her hands, shoulders, neck, and feet hurt a lot. It wasnt the typical aches and pains that go away after rest her pain stubbornly persisted and sometimes flared up.
From age 24 to 26, my job was getting more difficult and the pain was increasing, she said. I didnt really understand why, and I was also getting sick a lot. Im catching colds and flus, and it took me a long time to get rid of them.
When was pregnant with her son at age 26, Davidson, who still didnt know she had rheumatoid arthritis yet, struggled with the same symptoms.
During my pregnancy, I didnt feel any better, she said. A lot of women say theyd feel better during pregnancy, but I definitely didnt. After my pregnancy, I expected a lot of the symptoms to go away like my swollen feet and hands and depression.
Read Also: Can I Get A Massage During Pregnancy
Rheumatoid Arthritis Quick Facts
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes debilitating inflammation in the lining of the joints. On top of that, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack the tissues in your body. This can eventually lead to a wearing away of your bones and even joint deformity. Here are a few more quick facts about rheumatoid arthritis:
- It affects all ages
- It can be exhausting
- It causes a lot of pain and stiffness which can be difficult to manage
As I mentioned above, there is no cure for RA, however its symptoms can be managed with medication, massage therapy, and certain forms of gentle exercise like walking, yoga, and water aerobics.
The Main Benefits Of Massage For Arthritis Include:
Pain relief: As pain is the most debilitating symptom, the main purpose of massage is usually to bring as much relief as possible. By soothing the nervous system, it helps to switch off pain signals, giving your body chance to relax and calm. Massage for arthritis also encourages the release of happy hormones called endorphins which are bodys natural painkillers. Most sufferers admit that having massage brings an instant pain relief and helps them refocus their mind away from the discomfort.
Enhanced circulation: Another important benefit of regular massage for arthritis is an increase in blood flow and improvement of circulation. By clearing the affected tissue of by-products caused by arthritis, it has a positive effect on releasing swelling and slowing down the inflammation. A boost of the blood flow also supplies the joints and muscles with necessary nutrients and oxygen. Regular massage sessions can improve the lubrication that your body produces. All of these ensure that the joints can move more freely and smoothly.
Increased mobility: Exercising can be very painful for those who suffer from arthritis. However, staying active is an important part of slowing down the arthritic degeneration. Massage helps to relax muscles and sooth the joints. This releases a lot of discomfort and encourages you to stay as active as possible.
Our ongoing Care
Read Also: How To Use Planet Fitness Massage Chairs
Are There Any Risks Or Safety Precautions
Always discuss any new treatments you are thinking about trying with your rheumatologist or doctor to find out if there are specific things you should avoid. As people with arthritis are likely to have joint and soft tissue pain and damage, it is important to check the qualifications and experience of the therapist providing the massage. Massage therapy may not be appropriate when joints are acutely inflamed check with your rheumatologist or doctor.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Massage To Help Arthritis
Massages work to counter the stiff and painful experience of living with arthritis. Some of the benefits include:
Improved joint mobility
Massages, specifically Thai and esalen, as well as orthotherapy and heat therapy, have the effects of opening stiff joints and stimulating blood flow, allowing improved joint mobility.
Improved sleep
Arthritis is often associated with a lack of deep sleep. Receiving a regular massage can assist in alleviating pain, which in turn helps to restore sleep.
Reduced anxiety
As well as alleviating pain and improving joint mobility, massages can be used to relax patients to reduce anxiety. Living with arthritis is extremely stressful and frustrating, as daily tasks deemed simple beforehand become painful and difficult.
While massages help to relieve the symptoms, its important to note that a massage will not reduce the chronic inflammation or joint damage caused by arthritis. For massages to be effective, its important to remind your clients to receive them regularly. A guide to follow is recommending the patient to receive a massage once a week for a few weeks to fully relieve the arthritis tension, then once a month afterwards as maintenance.
Recommended Reading: Infinity Riage Cs Massage Chair
Arthritis Of All Types Responds To Complementary Therapies
In general, most types of arthritis will respond to a combination of lifestyle changes including switching to an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise that keeps the joints moving but does not overdo their use, daily stretching, hydrotherapy , and of course, massage therapy. If you are in New York City, our team of advanced massage therapists have helped hundreds of clients find relief from all types of arthritis. We offer massage therapy in midtown and in the financial district. Come in and see how our customized massage therapy can set you on the road to less arthritis pain!
When You Show Up For Your Massage Treatment
Be Detailed When Explaining Your Pain. Be specific about the pain that you feel, which are the joints that hurt you and how much and how frequently it is that they hurt you. For instance, even though it can be helpful to undergo moderate-pressure massaging, Aracelli warns that the swelling and pain could actually get worse when you apply high heat or deep pressure to actively-inflamed joints. So if during the massage you feel pain at any time, be sure to tell your therapist/masseuse right away. Stay Hydrated by Drinking Lots of Water. Dr. Oz explained that the water flow in your body is affected by any massage that has any degree of pressure and if you are well-hydrated it will be more effective. Drinking half your weight in ounces of water is recommended by Southwest Physical Therapy, he said. So aim for 80 ounces of water daily if you weigh 160 pounds, and you will avoid dehydration.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Arthritis In Your Back
Recommended Reading: Where To Test Massage Chairs
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management
While the overall goal of rheumatoid arthritis therapy is to prevent disease progression and further joint damage, pain management is a necessary daily practice for patients, in order to maximize their quality of life. Chronic pain can adversely affect a patients ability to work, participate in physical and social activities, and can generally interrupt day-to-day life.
Despite medications and aggressive forms of treatment, many rheumatoid arthritis patients experience ongoing pain and stiffness. The reality is, it may never completely go away. But there are specific things patients can do to manage pain and limit its impact on their lives.
Try Massages With Different Tools
Heat therapy helps soothe stiffness and pain in arthritic joints so incorporating it into your massage is a great way to increase the benefits of both, Vickman says. This usually involves the therapist heating smooth stones, about the size of the palm of your hand, to 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and then placing them in specific locations on your back where you hold tension. The stones are not hot enough to burn you and the localized heat can help open up your blood vessels in that area, allowing your massage therapist to better work those muscles without causing pain, she says.
Don’t Miss: Couples Massage West Palm Beach
What Would A Physiotherapy Assessment For Rheumatoid Arthritis Involve
In your first appointment at Liverpool Physio, your assessment would be divided into the following two sections:
Subjective
A discussion to find out the cause of your symptoms, how long they have been persisting, if you have had any previous injuries in this area, what symptoms you are experiencing and how your condition is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
A physical assessment of your range of pain, tenderness in the area, range of movement and a series of special tests to identify exactly which structures you are likely to have affected.
In well-developed cases of rheumatoid arthritis there are certain blood tests and x-rays that may support a diagnosis. These can also help target physiotherapy treatment to achieve the best relief from symptoms.
Are There Different Types Of Massage
Massage therapy generally falls into two categories:
- relaxation typically, this type of massage focuses on stress release and reducing general muscle tension
- remedial or therapeutic massage this type of massage aims to address injuries and chronic muscular pain, such as that caused by arthritis. Remedial treatments target specific problem areas and are more likely to be beneficial in temporarily relieving the symptoms of arthritis, such as pain.
Don’t Miss: Massage Chair For Back Pain