For most of us, getting a body massage can seem to be a luxury reserved only for special occasions.
However, there are many people that need a regular massage to get through their daily lives; these people need frequent massage sessions for relief from the pain caused by medical conditions such as arthritis.
Although massage can be viewed as a luxury or indulgence for many, to those that have arthritis, it could mean the difference between soreness and satisfaction.
Reliable reports state that nearly one in five adults in America suffers from some form of arthritis. And, the reports state that the most common forms of arthritis in the hand are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
So, how painful can Arthritis be?
Well, arthritis pain limits regular common activities such as dressing and even bathing. People who suffer from chronic arthritis in their hands have reduced movement and hand grip strength.
Therefore, if your work involves repetitive tasks such as typing, and you frequently experience pain and cramping, we would recommend you visit a massage therapist.
The expert will be able to identify the trigger points in your hand and treat them, helping decrease your pain and allowing you to work in a pain-free state.
Regular massage leads to improvements in pain, range of motion, stiffness, hand grip strength and the overall function of the joints.
People diagnosed with hand or wrist arthritis can also largely benefit from a hand massage.
Even something as simple as a 20-minute, normal pressure massage in a day can lead to reduced pain, anxiety, and increased grip strength.
However, if you don´t have the energy or the strength to give yourself a massage or visit the massage parlor, you may consider investing in a vibrating hand massager machine.
What are the benefits of a vibrating handheld massager you ask?
Well, for starters, machines are simply more effective than human hands. Machines can cover a large area and are simply more convenient.
Weather can influence arthritis conditions as well.
So, the Question Arises—How Can Massage Help People Diagnosed With Arthritis?
Massage works exceptionally well at lowering the body´s production of the stress hormone, cortisol. In addition to that, massage therapy sessions can also aid in the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps improve mood levels.
Scientific studies also suggest that massage helps lower the production of the substance P, often associated to pain.
Hence, frequent massages can not only provide pain relief benefits, they can also help reduce depression and anxiety.
People who have painful arthritis in their hands can benefit tremendously from regular massage therapy sessions spearheaded by trained experts.
These experts specialize in addressing the pain brought on by numerous physical conditions and their expertise can provide daily relief to those suffering from the discomfort and lack of mobility caused by arthritis.
What Are Some of the Techniques for Self-Hand Massage?
You need not rely on anyone else for a massage. If you are suffering from extreme pain, it is possible for you to address the pain yourself; you will only need to give yourself a self-hand massage.
There are multiple techniques that enable you to practice a hand massage on yourself.
One of the most common self-hand massages is known as milking. Basically, all you will need to do is to grip your fingers on the top of your forearm with your thumb on the underside.
You will then need to apply moderate pressure, move the hand that you massage with from your wrist to your elbow and then, slightly pull your flesh between them.
There are also multiple videos on video-sharing platforms such as YouTube that give you instructions on how to massage your hands.
We should truly count our blessings for being a part of the contemporary world where we have access to numerous technological devices and facilities that help make our lives easier.
There are other types of massage that can also help treat your arthritis symptoms.
However, it is first of paramount importance for you to consult with your physician or rheumatologist to discuss the most effective and safest massage for you.
After all, some massage techniques may include the application of heavy pressure to sensitive joints, pressure points, and tissues, and the movement of limbs into various different positions.
And, it may be next to impossible for a person suffering from damaged joints to move his/her limbs and other parts of the body freely.
Some of the most effective massages for treating arthritis include;
Trigger Point Massage
In the simplest of terms, a trigger point massage is a form of massage that largely targets and includes the application of pressure or vibration to myofascial trigger points to bring relief from pain in certain areas of the body.
Trigger point therapy sessions can also include the use of injections.
What are trigger points you ask? Well, trigger points are basically points in the muscles where knots are or may be formed.
Myofascial Release
The main aim of the myofascial release massage is to relieve pain by maneuvering the fascia, the connective tissues that form the framework of the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.
During a session of myofascial release, the professional masseuse pulls and releases the fascia tissues by gently rolling the skin back and forth on the legs, back and other parts of the body.
This massage, in most cases, doesn´t rely on the use of massage tools, oils, or lotions.
