Massage Treatment for Arthritis by Robert Vignoli

Today, millions of Baby Boomers suffer from arthritis. Many are still looking for effective methods of managing their arthritis pain, as pills do not work for everyone, and may have side effects that some people would like to avoid. For those patients seeking alternative methods to deal with their arthritis, massage may be the answer. Massage is non-invasive, relaxing and helps the body in a variety of ways.

A good massage therapist will be able to use the method of massage that is most effective for your arthritis. Depending on the type of arthritis that you suffer from, the massage techniques will vary. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system. While both are very painful, the root causes are different.

What will happen during a massage therapy session: Your typical massage appointment will last anywhere from an hour to an hour-and-a-half. When using massage as a method of relief from arthritis, the client’s only job is to relax. The therapist will manipulate the affected areas through various massage strokes. The massage will help eliminate toxins that have built up in the joints through manipulating the muscles and joints that are affected. More nutrients will be clear to travel to the affected areas once these blockages are removed. Repeated massage treatments will help prevent the recurrence of the blockages. Once these problems are treated, the patient should feel some improvement in their range of motion.

Benefits of massage The benefits of massage are many and are well-documented. After a few treatments, the client should notice: • An increase in circulation • More flexibility • Less pain and inflammation • Less stiffness in the joints • Feeling better overall • Fewer aching muscles

Aromatherapy Another aspect of massage therapy is the use of essential oils. Many essential oils have relaxing, pain-relieving or healing qualities, so make sure and ask your massage therapist about what may work best for you. If you have any topical allergies, let your therapist know before they try any new oils during your next session.

Self-massage at home Your therapist may also be able to teach you some massage techniques you can use at home between treatments. While not as relaxing as having your therapist do the massage, the ability to perform simple massage techniques on yourself between treatments may help you achieve pain relief, as well as increase the circulation in both the area being massaged and in your hands.

Finding a therapist Licensed massage therapists will belong to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). If you go to their website www.amtamassage.org, you can access lists of therapists in your area.

About the Author

Robert C. Vignoli has been a massage therapist for over 10 years. He currently co-owns Roman Paradigm Massage, but now he is helping to improve the massage industry by building a "hands off" massage business model. MassageSpace.net is the new MySpace for Massage Therapist, learn more @ http://www.think-diagonal.com