Like many people with arthritis, Connie DeIanni has days when her pain is hard to manage. One tactic she uses to fight her pain, as well as the stress that comes along with it, is a soothing massage.
“I’ve used massage as a therapy, but more for the sore muscles that are compromised due to flares,” says DeIanni, a Farmington, Utah, bank employee and college student who has rheumatoid arthritis. “There’s a calming effect on the tension and stress of the constant pain that is rewarding.”
Massage, whether conducted in a softly lit day spa or a treatment room at a physical therapy clinic, is something many people use to soothe sore joints and muscles, to ease anxiety or to help them sleep better. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, reports that massage is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by Americans, with close to nine percent of adults using it. Until recently, little was known about why massage seemed to work, but recent research suggests that massage can affect the body’s production of certain hormones linked to blood pressure, anxiety, heart rate and other key vital signs. But is massage safe and effective for people with arthritis?
Does Massage Work?
Regular massage of muscles and joints, whether by a licensed therapist at a spa or by self-massage at home, can lead to a significant reduction in pain for people with arthritis, according to Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, who’s conducted a number of studies on the benefits of massage, including on people with arthritis. In Field’s research and other recent studies on the effects of massage for arthritis symptoms, regular use of the simple therapy led to improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints.
While most research on massage examines its effects on the general population, not specifically people with arthritis, recently more studies are underway to study the effectiveness of massage for people with arthritis. For example, one 2006 study conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey examined 68 adults with knee osteoarthritis receiving two Swedish massages per week for eight weeks, compared to a group who received no massage. The massage group reported significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness, function, range of motion and walking, the researchers found.
Massage also benefits people with painful hand or wrist arthritis, Field concluded in another 2006 study that she conducted with colleagues in Miami. Twenty-two adults, mostly women, diagnosed with hand or wrist arthritis were given four weekly massages from a therapist and taught to massage their sore joints daily at home. Just a 15-minute, moderate pressure massage per day led to reduced pain and anxiety, and increased grip strength for the participants as measured on comparative pre- and post-therapy tests.
Most people who try complementary therapies, including massage, do so to address back and neck pain, according to a 2007 NCCAM report. A number of studies confirm the effectiveness of massage for back and neck pain, including one published in 2011 in the Annals of Internal Medicine that looked at the effectiveness of massage therapy on 401 people with chronic low back pain. The researchers found that massage did reduce their pain, and the benefits lasted at least six months. They also concluded that the type of massage wasn’t that important – different types worked about the same.
www.benefits-of-massage-therapy.com
Having been a massage therapist for 13 plus years now, I have found the benefits of massage, for any kind of muscle pain is highly effective. Anytime a person can decrease tension in the muscles that cause pressure in arthritic joints can only help relieve the pain associated with movements within them. Getting a massage not only allows you some relief it gives your brain a chance to stop focusing on the pain. It’s like getting a good night sleep without taking drugs. I recommend regular massage as a way to "manage" the pain and allow yourself to gain some control over your life again. When choosing your LMT make sure they understand YOUR needs, and that they have experience. Helping people with pain is what we as massage therapist are all about, many therapist give discounts for repeat business, some insurance companies offer payment (but few). Don't give up after one visit by thinking it doesn't work for you. Sometimes it takes a few visits to figure out your needs. You may need to see a few different LMT's as well because not all are the same. Just remember, relief is just a touch away. Yours truly, Rod S. Dudley LMT
Yes, try different massage modalities before deciding which one is best for your condition(s).
As noted, some people have higher pain thresholds than others. I have been told mine is high and I find that, for ex., when the therapist works deep into the base of my thumb (tendinitis) or into my calf muscles it can really hurt, but the moment she releases the pressure the pain disappears and I have pain relief that lasts up to a week. If it hurts -- and you don't like it -- tell the therapist! By the same token, if you don't feel much relief, ask him/her to apply more pressure until you find that level that is best for you. Communication between client and therapist is SO important.
What has worked best for me is what is described by the massage therapist as a "Swedish/Shiatsu" combination. I get one of these a month (like others here, I wish I could afford to get one more often!). Sometimes I splurge and get the 1 1/2 hr instead of just the 1 hr massage.
I find Swedish alone too mild, (and Deep Tissue is too intense for me,) and Shiatsu alone does not relieve the connective (joints, ligaments) pain the way the combo of Swedish and Shiatsu do.
My mom's arthritis is worse than mine but she was too passive during a session one time -- was hurt more than helped as a result and now has some fear of getting hurt during a massage again -- so I really urge those new to massage to try different modalities, different therapists, etc. until you find one that helps you the most.
I also find that the benefits of a good massage last longer if I soak in a warm bath or jacuzzi (I am a member of a day spa where I usually get my massage and I can do these there) and if I "bake" in the sauna (not too hot or you won't stay in it long enough for its benefits). If nothing else, try to take a warm shower after massage. It really seems to "seal" in the massage treatment. I like the spa's extra features and that's why I get my regular massages there but a massage in a more clinical setting has the same benefits.
Yes, I wish health insurance covered my monthly massage!
Another website to find massage therapists is www.amtamassage.org. You can locate therapists by your zip code and most have their trainings and/or specialties listed.
My massotherapist has continued his education over the years and has studied several different disciplines. He adjusts what he does to suit the problem and cause of the pain and stiffness. He uses Shiatsu, Bowen Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and deep tissue massage just to name a few.
To find a massotherapist go to http://myofascialtherapy.org. It is a good place to start your search for a qualified massage therapist.
I've already posted a comment as the retired masseuse.However I'd like to add an
important admonition to receive the best
massage outcome to manage arthritis and other
joint disease. Carefully research the professional training and caliber of the massage practioner. Either by other clients
who reported positive curtailment of pain at least for awhile,increased mobility and range of motion and and overall a more relaxed affirmative outlook.The best research of course is to invest in massage from at least two or more therapists yourself.Unfortunately there are those inadequately trained people who practice a therapy that can harm rather than help the
arthritic sufferer. Massage is an art form in
essence that elicits mind body and spirit
unity.It is not a cure for Arthritis and don't believe the shoddy folks who practice
what they call massage therapy but massage
can be a marvelous boon to be added to other
pain management strategies.A last word, I
completely disagree with the commentator
who says quite grimly ":no pain no gain" is
his motto to endure his massage.Endurance? Oh
my, don't believe such nonesense, massage
feels great!
As a former masseuse, I personally had clients
with varying degrees of Arthritis, not one failed to praise how free of pain they felt after sessions, how improved their range of motion and overall relaxation as a welcome bonus. I would never claim massage is a cure for Arthritis but can attest that it is a boon
to be added to other strategies to manage pain.
Massages may not be right for you.
My philosophy - move it or loose it and rub it when it hurts!
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