Massage Therapy And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted on: June 22, 2015
Massage therapy is not only great for alleviating tension and relaxing. However, that is not the only benefit people can reap from seeing a massage therapist. It can be very effective for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Massage therapy can also treat rheumatoid arthritis. Below is an explanation of how massage therapy can be effective for the treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis:
What The Research Says About Arthritis And Massage Therapy
There have been studies done to examine the effectiveness of massage therapy treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis. One of the studies was published in May 2013 in the Journal Complementary Therapy In Clinical Practice. The study involved people who were asked to get a moderate pressure massage once a week for four weeks. The results of the study showed that the subjects noticed a reduction in pain. They also noticed an improvement in their range of motion. Furthermore, the subjects noticed an improvement in their mood also. Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis also suffer from depression and anxiety because of the pain.
How Exactly Does A Massage Benefit Arthritis Patients?
Researchers believe that a massage can benefit pressure receptors underneath the skin. These pressure receptors can help stimulate the production of serotonin. A massage can also help curb inflammation. Inflammation contributes to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Keep in mind that there are some things that people can do after a massage to increase the effectiveness of it. You are strongly advised to drink plenty of water after you get a massage. Toxins are released during a massage, and water will make it easier for you to flush those toxins out of your body.