Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It often starts in smaller joints like those in the hands and feet before progressing to larger joints. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness - especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Fatigue and overall feeling of being unwell
- Low-grade fevers
- Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
These symptoms are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the lining of the joints (synovium). This leads to thickening and inflammation that can damage the bone and cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis in that it is an autoimmune condition rather than simple wear-and-tear on the joints.
How Can Massage Therapy Help with Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
Massage therapy has been shown to provide multiple benefits for those living with rheumatoid arthritis including:
- Temporary pain relief - Massage can help ease muscle tension and soreness to provide symptomatic pain relief.
- Reduced stiffness - The hands-on pressure and joint manipulation can improve mobility and decrease feelings of stiffness.
- Increased blood flow - The manipulations enhance circulation which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to affected tissues.
- Decreased swelling - Lymphatic drainage techniques can reduce fluid buildup and swelling in the joints.
- Improved sleep - The relaxation effects of massage promote better sleep quality.
- Reduced stress and improved mood - Massage boosts serotonin and dopamine levels to lift mood.
Key Types of Massage for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom Relief
While many massage modalities can provide benefits, some are better suited for addressing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The best kinds of massage for RA patients include:
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle style of full body massage that uses long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, and tapping motions along the top layers of muscles. It combines relaxation with improved circulation and mobility.
Benefits for rheumatoid arthritis patients include:
- Temporary relief of muscle aches and joint pain
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Enhanced blood flow to nourish joint tissues
- Reduced feelings of stiffness after massage session
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage applies more intense pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It utilizes many of the same movements as Swedish massage but with a concentrated or specific focus.
Benefits include:
- Breaking down of scar tissue around joints
- Pain relief from releasing tight muscle knots
- Restoring mobility in frozen joints or shoulder joints
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy targets the fascia (connective tissue) to eliminate pain caused by restriction or inflammation. The practitioner uses gentle sustained pressure and stretching techniques to manipulate the fascia.
This type of massage helps RA by:
- Releasing fascial restriction around inflamed joints
- Restoring motion to restricted joints
- Realigning body posture or gait impacted by imbalance
Other Forms of Therapeutic Massage
In addition to Swedish, deep tissue, and myofascial release, other forms of therapeutic massage can aid rheumatoid arthritis including:
- Trigger Point Massage - Focuses on releasing tight muscle knots (trigger points) that cause referred pain in other areas. Can target painful spots around inflamed joints.
- Neuromuscular Therapy - Advanced deep tissue technique that eliminates trigger points and reeducates the nervous system to reduce pain signals. Good for chronic RA joint pain.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage - Uses light rhythmic techniques to stimulate lymph flow and drainage. Helps reduce swelling around impacted joints.
Using Massage Therapy Alongside Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Though massage has many benefits, it should not replace standard rheumatoid arthritis treatment which may include medications like NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs or biologics that modify the autoimmune response itself. Always discuss massage plans with your rheumatologist first.
That being said, massage therapy makes for an excellent complementary treatment to enhance standard RA care. Finding an experienced massage therapist that specializes in working with arthritis patients is key. Massage frequency depends on symptom severity but weekly to bi-weekly is common.
The Takeaway
Massage should be considered a foundational piece of symptom relief and quality of life improvement for rheumatoid arthritis patients. From Swedish massage to myofascial release, various massage modalities can provide pain relief, improved joint mobility, reduced stiffness, and restoration of function for those living with RA.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of massage for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
There are many potential benefits including: temporary pain relief, reduced muscle tension, increased joint mobility, decreased stiffness, improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, enhanced sleep quality, and elevated mood.
Are there certain types of massage that work better?
Yes, recommended styles include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular therapy. Lymphatic drainage massage also helps. Discuss options with your therapist.
How often should someone have massages for RA?
Frequency depends on symptom severity and affordability. Most experts suggest weekly to bi-weekly 60-90 minute massage sessions for best results in managing rheumatoid arthritis.
Can massage completely treat RA without medications?
No, massage is not a stand-alone cure and should only complement standard medical treatment per your rheumatologist’s recommendations. Discuss adding massage therapy with your doctor first.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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