Our joints enable our bodies to move, from our fingers to our wrists and elbows to knees and toes. When your joints become inflamed or have pain, managing it can be frustrating, no matter where they are on the body. While joint pain can be caused by overuse and sports injuries such as tennis elbow, arthritis is the most common cause of pain in the joints.
Arthritis is a condition that creates inflammation in the joints. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Managing arthritis can be exhausting, and while massage therapy may not be top of mind for people with arthritis, the benefits may surprise you. Massage therapy delivered by Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) can help reduce inflammation and loosen up your muscles and joints.
First, let’s look at the two most common types of arthritis, then explore the different massage therapies that can provide pain relief for both conditions.
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Is Osteoarthritis?
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones wears down, usually with age. It can affect any joint but commonly happens in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis is often associated with aging and is more prevalent in older adults.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining around the joints, also called the synovium. This leads to inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, and it can also cause damage to other organs in the body.
What Are the Causes of Arthritis?
A number of factors can cause arthritis, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences. The specific cause depends on the type of arthritis. Here are common factors associated with each:
Osteoarthritis
- Age: wear on the joints can lead to degeneration of cartilage.
- Joint injury: previous injuries to the joint, such as fractures or ligament tears, can wear down the cartilage.
- Weight: added stress on weight-bearing joints increases risk.
- Genetics: there may be a genetic predisposition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Genetics: a family history of rheumatoid arthritis increases risk.
- Environmental factors: smoking and certain infections may trigger onset in people with a genetic predisposition.
It is important to note that while these factors may increase risk, not everyone with these risk factors will develop arthritis. The exact cause of many types remains unclear, and research is ongoing.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms vary by type and severity. They can include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Redness and warmth around the joint
- Decreased range of motion
- Swelling around affected joints
- Fatigue
- Fever in some cases
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve joint function, and slow disease progression. Your primary physician may recommend a range of options, including massage therapy or red light therapy to help manage pain.
How Does Massage Therapy Reduce Inflammation?
Massage therapy is known to reduce inflammation in the body through several mechanisms, including improving circulation and blood flow, stimulating lymphatic drainage, reducing the release of stress hormones, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation. As a result, massage therapy is a helpful adjunct treatment for inflammation-related conditions.
Types of Massage Therapy for Arthritis Pain Relief
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the lymphatic system to support immune function, promote removal of excess fluids and waste products from tissues, and reduce swelling.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy focuses on specific areas of muscle tension, known as trigger points, to ease pain and discomfort. It involves applying pressure to those points to release tension and promote relaxation. It is commonly used to target muscle knots, referred pain, and stiff joints.
Hot & Cold Stone Massage
Hot and cold stone massage uses heated and cooled stones to provide therapeutic benefits. Heat helps relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold can reduce inflammation and numb areas of pain.
Jade Stone Massage
Jade stone massage utilizes smooth, heated jade stones to massage the body. In traditional Chinese medicine jade is believed to have healing properties. The warmth of the stones helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and promote balance and harmony.
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is a general term for techniques tailored to specific goals such as pain relief, stress reduction, injury rehabilitation, and overall wellness. It may include relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, and other modalities based on individual needs.
Manual Osteopathy
Manual osteopathy involves hands-on techniques to assess and improve musculoskeletal issues and related conditions. Practitioners use gentle manipulations, stretching, and soft tissue work to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and improve overall function.
Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna session can help alleviate arthritis pain with soothing heat that penetrates deeply into tissues, promoting relaxation of muscles and joints. This can reduce stiffness and discomfort associated with arthritis. The heat also stimulates blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to affected areas while facilitating the removal of toxins and inflammatory substances.
Regular sessions can contribute to improved joint mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced overall well-being for individuals with arthritis, and can be added to any regular massage appointment.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive and painless treatment for reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. It emits wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate tissues to stimulate cellular repair and increase circulation. By enhancing mitochondrial function, it helps accelerate the body’s natural healing processes, which can improve joint mobility, reduce swelling, and ease chronic pain.
Massage Treatments to Manage Arthritis Pain in St. Albert
Are you struggling to manage arthritis pain and looking for natural options to complement other treatments? Schedule your appointment for a massage at Urban Massage & Wellness in St. Albert. Our practitioners will help you choose the treatment that is right for your needs.
