Massage Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to the inflammation and swelling of joints and surrounding soft tissues. It may also affect other organs. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system normally fights off foreign substances, like viruses. But in an autoimmune disease, the immune system confuses healthy tissue for foreign substances. As a result, the body attacks itself. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age. Women are affected more often than men. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally. Wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles are the most commonly affected. The course and the severity of the illness can vary considerably. Infection, genes, and hormones may contribute to the disease.

Massage Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A massage involves stroking, kneading, rubbing and tapping manipulation of muscle tissues. If received regularly, massage therapy may offer chronic pain relief.

While massage is not a proven treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, it's generally safe and free of side effects. However, it's important that you are not directly massaged at or near any area with arthritis. Massage may also not be right for you if you suffer from osteoporosis, deep vein thrombosis, skin infections, and/or open wounds.
There are more than 100 types of massage techniques. A Swedish massage, for instance, uses long strokes to impact the superficial layers of your muscles. In contrast, a deep tissue massage uses direct pressure and slow strokes to impact your deep layers of muscle and relieve chronic muscular tension. Myofascial release is another option. This soft tissue therapy uses massage to stretch and manipulate your connective tissues, making them more flexible and increasing your range of motion. Your massage therapist will work with you to determine what specific massage will best reduce your RA pain.

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