How massage therapy helps ease Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Is massage beneficial for individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Many patients visiting our clinic have loved ones dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, prompting inquiries about potential treatments to alleviate RA symptoms. Specifically, they've inquired about the effectiveness of massage for RA. The answer is that our customised Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatments can indeed be beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). But before delving into the reasons behind this, let's start with the basics.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by painful swelling. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your immune system mistakenly targets your own hard and soft tissues, primarily affecting joints in most cases. RA-related inflammation can lead to bone erosion, joint fusion, and resultant deformities. In severe cases, it may even affect internal organs.
However, RA can also impact various other body systems, including the skin, eyes, fingers, hands, knees, ankles, feet, toes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Common symptoms of RA include:
Joint stiffness, often most pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Fatigue
Pain
Edema (swelling)
Fluid retention
Loss of appetite
Fever
Tenderness
Swelling
Warm joints
Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis
While the precise cause of RA remains unclear, some risk factors include a family history of the condition, genetic predisposition, and other unknown factors.
What is the best massage for rheumatoid arthritis?
Research published in Complementary Therapy in Clinical Practice suggests that patients treated with moderate-pressure massage experience better outcomes than those receiving light-touch massage. In essence, the most effective massage for RA is one with moderate pressure, administered by a certified professional, preferably one known for their expertise and care.
Which massage technique is recommended for acute rheumatoid arthritis?
For individuals with acute rheumatoid arthritis, experts recommend a weekly moderate-pressure massage, performed by a certified therapist, supplemented with daily self-massage.
What type of massage is beneficial for arthritis?
We've already discussed the benefits of massage for arthritis. However, there is another treatment option to alleviate symptoms: Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage. This therapy can help:
Drain retained fluids in your joints
Enhance and improve blood circulation
Reduce swelling
Enhance your overall well-being
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us near Essex Rd in Angel Islington.
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