Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis isn’t a single disease; the term refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, races, and genders live with arthritis. It’s most common among women, and although it’s not a disease of aging, some types of arthritis occur in older people more than younger people.

Common arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and diminished range of motion in joints. Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may come and go. Some may stay about the same for years, but symptoms can also progress and get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, difficulty performing daily activities, and make walking and climbing stairs painful and grueling.

Arthritis can also cause permanent joint changes. These may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can be seen only on X-rays. Some types of arthritis affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin as well as the joints.

How can Massage Therapy provide relief from Arthritis?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), massage by an RMT can help decrease arthritis pain and improve flexibility in the muscles, joints, and tendons. By improving circulation, therapeutic massage helps reduce inflammation which in turn produces enhanced blood flow to arthritic joints, improved movement, and reduced pain.

At Urban Massage, our Registered Massage Therapists are well-versed in how to treat specific forms of arthritis through a variety of massage techniques. They will also be able to provide you with some self-care suggestions in between massages that may help alleviate the level of pain during flare-ups.

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