Massage for Arthritis

What is arthritis, and how does it affect the body?

Arthritis is an auto-immune condition which causes pain and inflammation in the joints – in particular in the hands, fingers, feet and legs. Arthritis tends to affect more women than men, but it can affect anyone at any age – even children.

There are two key types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both can produce similar symptoms, but they affect the body in different ways.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, spine, knees and hips – usually occurring as a result of injury, genetics or other joint-related conditions. It impacts upon the smooth cartilage lining of the joint, causing movement to become stiff and painful. Over time, cartilage loss can lead to joint malformation, strained ligaments and tendons and loss of mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins between the ages of 30 and 50, again disproportionately affecting women. This causes the body’s own immune system to attack the joints, leading to pain and swelling and eventually the loss of bone and cartilage.

Arthritis is a progressive condition which is understandably painful and debilitating. It can have a significant impact on daily activities and quality of life – and without a cure in place currently, finding treatment options that work well for each individual is crucial.

Key symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Inflammation in and around joints
• Restricted mobility and movement in the joints
• Skin that feels warm and redness over any affected joints
• Weakness and muscle wasting
• Fatigue

How can massage help arthritis?

Massage is one of the most popular holistic therapies for sufferers of arthritis. It has a number of diverse benefits, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, emotional support and stress reduction. 

Benefits of massage for arthritis during winter 

Massage is a gentle, non-invasive and highly effective treatment for both types of arthritis at any time of year – but the benefits come into sharper focus during winter months, when symptoms can worsen. The warming sensation and increased circulation massage brings help to stimulate blood flow and encourage nutrients towards affected joints, helping to slow the degenerative effects of arthritis whilst bring immediate relief from swelling and pain.

Benefits of massage for arthritis include:

• Reduced pain
• Increased circulation
• Reduced swelling
• Decreased muscle stiffness
• Enhanced mobility (helping to make exercise possible/enjoyable, in turn improving physical health)
• Relaxation and stress relief

My approach to massage for arthritis 

My unique approach to remedial massage combines targeted therapeutic and relaxation techniques to bring about tangible and lasting results for sufferers of arthritis. I use a combination of remedial massage and warm bamboo to soothe aching joints and relieve the acute pain which often accompanies the condition. The warming sensation of the bamboo helps to increase blood flow to the joints, nourishing and slowing down degeneration. Clients say that they feel deeply relaxed, balanced and refreshed as well as experiencing reduced pain levels after each treatment (you can see lots of lovely reviews from clients right here).

All of my remedial massage treatments are fully tailored to the individual – so we’ll personalise the approach each time depending on your condition and needs on the day of your appointment.

Although you’ll see and feel the difference right away, I do always recommend a course of at least three treatments for best results. A variety of remedial massage packages are available, including those for people on disability benefits and lower incomes.