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Posted on: July 17, 2016
Massage Therapy For Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which affects the entire body. Many people confuse RA with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis of the knee for instance. RA patients can develop osteoarthritis in any of their joints, as well as experience chronic muscle pain and fatigue.
How is RA Treated?
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis typically requires a multi-disciplinary approach. A patient may benefit from massage therapy as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and other joints as well as for muscle pain and tension.
While RA patients are advised to see a rheumatologist, many patients experience significant pain relief when they seek the care of a massage therapist. A masseuse can ease many symptoms from sore muscles to osteoarthritis of the knee and other joints commonly affected by RA.
Massage Therapy for RA
Rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience multiple types of arthritis. While the RA causes joints to swell, osteoarthritis can make joint movement painful. Massage therapy treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and other commonly affected joints is recommended to get patients moving again.
While a rheumatologist is likely to use pharmaceuticals as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and other symptoms of RA, a massage therapist will take the natural approach. Like other autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis can be flared by stress. Not only does massage relax the tight muscles associated with stress, but it can also ease some of the pain and muscle tension that comes with RA.
Just like getting adequate sleep, a healthy diet, stretching exercises, and yoga, massage therapy treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee and other joints is a holistic approach that can complement any treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis.
