Arthritis
Chronic Pain Relief with Massage

Has arthritis got you searching for chronic pain relief? Find out how massage can help ease joint pain. You don't even have to get a professional massage. There are some simple self-massage techniques you can do at home.

There are 200 different types of this disease. The most common types are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Both cause joint pain that leaves sufferers searching for chronic pain relief. While massage can't heal these conditions, it can help to relieve the pain associated with it.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also know as degenerative joint disease, is caused by wear and tear on joints. Over time the cartilage in large weight bearing joints wears away causing painful bone on bone contact. This happens commonly to the elderly and to people who have put a lot of strain on their joints in their lives, like professional athletes.

While massage can't rebuild cartilage, it can loosen the connective tissue around the joints. When you experience pain your muscles tighten up. This tightening increases the pain and swelling around the joint. As a response the muscle tightens some more, and so goes the vicious cycle. Massaging the area around the joint, especially with circular friction, helps loosen the muscles stopping the cycle of pain. This is only temporary. You would need to get massaged on a regular basis to maintain pain relief.

If you can't afford to see a massage therapist regularly you can massage yourself. Self massage isn't as relaxing as getting massaged, but it is effective.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The rheumatoid form of this condition is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. It causes inflammation in the lining of the joints and destruction of the tissue surrounding the joints. It causes pain and can lead to deformities in the joints and loss of joint function.

There are many factors that contribute to this condition including genetic factors. Massage cannot cure or reverse the effects of it, but it can help you to relax and relieve the stress of the discomfort it causes.

Massage

When you're looking for a massage therapist, try to find one with experience treating people with your condition. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions about the therapist's training and experience. The therapist should be willing to talk openly about such things.

When your treatment is over ask what you can do at home to help relieve your pain. Your therapist should be able to show you some simple massage techniques that will help.

Self-Massage

Self-massage isn't as complicated as you may think. You only need to know a few basics to get started.

One of the most commonly used massage strokes on the joint areas is circular friction. It sounds complicated but trust me, its not. All you have to do is use the pads of your fingertips to rub the area around the in a circular motion. This will loosen the muscles and tendons around the joint and warm up the tissue.

You can use a kneading stroke to loosen the large muscles near the joint. Loosening the muscles surrounding the joint will help relax the tension on the joint.

You can do self-massage with or without oil. If you use oil use something natural. Most people have olive oil in their kitchens. That makes a good massage oil though it's a bit heavy.

After you massage the area you may want to use a topical pain relief cream.

Want More Info?

If you want more information check out these sites.

Foods-That-Heal.com This website contains a variety of natural arthritis pain relief remedies.

Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com provides helpful information written by a board certified doctor specializing in this condition. Learn about treatments and medicines, how to get relief and what to do about joint pain, osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.