The Benefits Of Massage For Osteoarthritis

When good cartilage in a joint deteriorates, it can cause pain and swelling, a condition known as osteoarthritis. The Royal College of General Practitioners estimated in 2006 that over one million adults in the United Kingdom are seeing a doctor annually for symptoms related to osteoarthritis (OA), making it the most common type of arthritis. 

 

Clients with osteoarthritis report daily, severe pain and stiffness in at least one joint. When a joint hasn't been warmed up correctly or has been overworked, the pain is amplified. 

 

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, but it can also appear in the distal joints of the fingers, wrists, neck, and ankles. 

 

Knee and hip pain can be especially debilitating because these joints bear body weight and are crucial for basic motions like walking. 

Degenerative illnesses like OA are an inevitable part of becoming older, and to some extent our susceptibility to them is determined by our genetic makeup. Inflammation in the joints can be caused by several factors, including being overweight, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and an inflammatory diet. 

 

Joint cartilage can also be prematurely damaged by muscle imbalance, which can result from factors like extended sitting or repetitive movements. 

Massage can help alleviate pain and minimise inflammatory responses, and it can be used in conjunction with medication for severe situations. A study conducted in 2010 by the University of California found that massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the feel-good chemical serotonin. Also, the neurotransmitter chemical P, which is associated with pain, can be reduced with massage and lead to a better sleep. 

 

Long-term pain relief and the promotion of joint alignment can be achieved through the use of massage and exercise treatment to restore muscular balance. We’ll discuss all your pain symptoms and set up a personalised treatment plan during your first visit. We have been taught to search for 'contra-indications,' which means we will know if massage will help you. 

 

Massage can help those with chronic osteoarthritis by reducing pain and stiffness in the muscles around the affected joints. The other benefits of massage therapy include increased relaxation, lower stress, and an improved sense of well-being. 

 

It’s recommended that those with severe OA first speak with their physician or rheumatologist before scheduling a massage.