Some people consider massages to be an indulgent part of a self-care routine that can be great for relaxing. However, if you’re dealing with aching joints, the right massages can help to alleviate your discomfort. People with rheumatoid arthritis, in particular, can gain quite a few benefits from getting a regular massage.
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According to the research that has been done, massages can help to improve blood circulation, ease muscle tension, increase your overall relaxation, and boost your body’s anti-inflammatory response.
As a result, people with rheumatoid arthritis may experience less pain, improved flexibility, and a greater range of motion.
While the studies have only been done on the Swedish and myofascial massages, other types of therapy can also be beneficial. It’s up to you to find which type of therapy works for you.
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As you might expect, not all massages are equal. To get the benefits you need, there are four types of massage therapy that health experts usually recommend.
1. Myofascial Release – In this form of hands-on massage, the therapist will apply focused pressure on select areas of the body for over three minutes at a time. It’s been shown that this kind of concentrated effort often corrects structural changes in underlying tissue that have contributed to your pain. This type of massage may also help to stimulate blood flow and the body’s anti-inflammatory response, which can be great for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Swedish Massage – This type of massage is typically the most common and is known to include long strokes that vary pressure throughout the session. A Swedish massage is great for easing tension in your muscles so it works well for people who are dealing with the stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The good thing about this type of massage is that you can ask the therapist to modify the pressure that’s used on you.
3. Hot Stone Massage – With this kind of massage, you can benefit from having heat applied to tense muscles and alleviate your
pain. If your joints are inflamed, though, it’s best to skip the hot stone massage.
4. Deep-Tissue Massage – As the name suggests, a deep-tissue massage alleviates stiff and sore muscles through the use of significant pressure. The tissue manipulation usually results in more relaxed muscles and less pain. With this type of massage, though, you have to ensure that the pressure isn’t too much. If the pain gets worse, it’s a sign to stop immediately.
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While all of these massage therapy options have their advantages, that doesn’t mean that they’re all right for you.
Health experts suggest talking with your doctor, trying different forms, and discussing your options with the massage therapist you’ve chosen.
Having open communication during the massage is also important. Make sure to let the therapist know if you’re in pain or if anything doesn’t feel right.
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If you have a recent injury, bruising, or rashes, the therapist needs to know about them as well. That information will influence which massage you can get and how much pressure or heat you can endure.
You also won’t get the best results if you do the massages sporadically. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis enjoy a consistent reduction in their pain if they have a massage at least weekly.
Finally, getting some exercise in between massage therapy sessions can help to prolong their benefits as well as ease some of the initial pain you may feel after each session.
Of course, none of these massages will be a replacement for following your doctor’s prescribed medication regimen. It’s also best to talk with your doctor before choosing one of the massages you’d like to try. They may have some advice about the best ones for you and how often you should get them done. You should also let your doctor know if any of your symptoms are getting worse instead of better as this might be a sign that you need to be re-assessed.
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