According to the CDC, 54 million Americans live with rheumatoid arthritis, making it the leading cause of disability in this country. Many people deal with having to manage symptoms of the crippling disease, including morning stiffness and joint swelling, every day. The month of May is National Arthritis Awareness Month which is dedicated to bringing attention to the widespread effects of this disease and helping to fight back and conquer arthritis.
Massage therapy can be an effective way to safely reduce pain with many positive effects for those in search of a natural approach to alleviating tension and discomfort caused by arthritis. Whether administering self-massages or seeking the help of a licensed massage therapist to help loosen overworked joints and muscles, massage therapy should be explored as a viable option for pain management.
The benefits of massage therapy for arthritis:
Pain Management and Reduction of Stiffness
The onset of pain can seem unbearable for those living with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, as changes in the weather or performing routine tasks can become a real challenge.
A skilled massage therapist will first work with new clients to locate trigger points and then apply compression and use proper timing to release pain and stress, allowing muscles to relax and reducing stiffness in joints.
Strengthen Muscles and Joints
The chronic pain associated with
arthritis often causes muscles and joints to slowly deteriorate. This muscular dysfunction weakens the body leading to weight gain and a decreased ability to work or perform physical activity.
Hand massages and other at-home self-massage techniques can be used to soothe soreness, reduce the build-up fluid in knots, and take pressure off of tired joints.
Improvement of Range of Motion
The stiffness caused by arthritis can have a significant impact on the range of motion, making a huge difference in the ability to exercise properly or enjoy outdoor activities.
Massage therapy for arthritis clients requires a more gentle touch to be applied with moderate pressure in specific areas where joint pain exists. Manipulation of the soft tissue eliminates the trigger point which causes the muscle to spasm and/or contract, slowing the circulation of blood and causing more tightness and stiffness.
The benefits of massage therapy are also known for helping people sleep better, reduce stress, and improve their overall quality of life. Incorporating massage therapy into a routine along with doctor-prescribed medicine is recommended to treat arthritis and help make the pain more tolerable. Massage therapy should be avoided when experiencing intense arthritic flare-ups to prevent the worsening of inflammation.
Ephraim Colwell, LMT, NMT, CES E is a passionate massage and neuromuscular therapist whose mission is to help his clients achieve a healthier lifestyle by rebalancing their body’s muscles and alleviating pain. He opened his first office in 2006 and currently operates two offices in Cypress and Houston Texas.
In practice since 2003, Ephraim has used his knowledge of muscular therapy to help those stuck in a cycle of pain, athletes wishing to improve on their performance, and people who simply want to maintain a pain-free existence.
Ephraim is a certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and a distinguished graduate with honors of the MRC Day Spa and School. Ephraim is also TRX trained, and continuously seeks educational opportunities for professional development in his pursuit of excellence in his field.
His passion is working one-on-one with his patients ensuring that they experience the highest quality of life possible. His caring demeanor is evident in every session.
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