If you suffer from arthritis pain, you are not alone. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 52.5 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. This degenerative disease can make it difficult to perform your daily tasks due to crippling pain. However, there is an all-natural option that can reduce the pain of arthritis and improve your quality of life: Massage Therapy.
Many people think that arthritis is a sign of getting older and the pain is to be expected. Yet the CDC estimates that almost two-thirds of those with arthritis are under the age of 65, with 1 out of 250 children affected by arthritis pain. Whatever your age and whether you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, Massage Therapy can be a wonderful, natural way to control the pain and gain relief from this disease.
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, almost any type of arthritis can benefit from the effects of Massage Therapy. Not only does massage help reduce pain and inflammation, it helps to release serotonin and dopamine in the brain which allows the body to further relax, incurring many other lasting benefits . Many studies demonstrate the advantages of using Massage Therapy for arthritis treatment including:
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey conducted a study in 2006 on the effects of Swedish massage for those with knee osteoarthritis. Those receiving two Swedish massages per week over an eight-week period had significant improvement in pain reduction, function, stiffness, range of motion and walking over the control group.
- The University of Miami School of Medicine studied adults with hand or wrist arthritis, using massage therapy in self-performed 15-minute sessions daily and scheduled professional sessions. The participants experienced lower pain and increased grip strength.
How It Works
Moderate to light pressure stimulates nerves under the skin that convey pain-reducing signals to the brain. Massage also breaks down scar tissue that builds when a joint is inflamed. After the rejuvenating touch of massage, aching joints will be pain-free and more limber than they have been in ages.
When soft tissue is stimulated in massage, lymphatic drainage is increased. This eliminates toxins that accumulate and crystallize in the body, causing congestion that can manifest as symptoms of arthritis. By eliminating these toxins through massage, you may be able to once again feel the freedom of unrestricted movement.
Furthermore, the revitalizing touch of massage does wonders for the circulatory system. Increased blood flow soothes swelling in joints and aids in the delivery of energy-giving nutrients so that you will not only feel more comfortable than ever, but more energized and restored as well.
Finally find relief from the stress of living with arthritis and once again enjoy improved range of movement. Request a Reservation and visit one of our Massage Height Retreats to start feeling better today.
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