Whats The Best Massage For Arthritis In My Back And Neck
Question:Ive recently been diagnosed with arthritis in my back and neck, and the pain of flare-ups can be excruciating. Soreness often lingers for days after I have a flare-up, causing a lot of stress and anxiety. In addition to the soreness, I find that my back and neck are often stiff, which makes it difficult for me to get a good nights sleep. I know massage promotes relaxation, but apart from that, are there any massage techniques that could help ease my arthritis pain?
Answer:Pain from arthritis in your back and neck can be debilitating, and seriously interfere with your usual daily activities. The good news is that regular massage therapy may not only ease your soreness and general tension, it can also reduce your overall symptoms of arthritis over time. Regular massage therapy may even reduce the number and frequency of flare-ups. This can happen because massage can stimulate your body to release its own endorphins that block the pain signal, according to the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Clinic.
The Arthritis Foundation points to research done at the University of Miami School of Medicine that showed weekly massages coupled with daily massages significantly reduced arthritis-related pain and increased the range of motion in patients necks. Further studies have demonstrated improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, and overall function of joints with regular massage therapy.
Ready to book your massage?
How Does Arthritis Massage Help
At Fulham Massage we often hear: Does massage help arthritis? There is no cure for arthritis, but Arthritis Massage is considered to be one of the most successful methods to manage this condition. It helps to relieve pain and slow down the degeneration of the cartilage. As it also releases tension in the muscles, it encourages people to stay active and mobile for as long as possible.
Massage is an effective way to relieve the pain caused by arthritis and it can help sufferers to lead a normal lifestyle. Massage can help the body to combat both muscle tension and pain. Poor circulation can also be improved with Arthritis Massage. Stiff and painful joints can become looser and pain-free.
Glide And Shear Moves For Ra Hand Pain Relief
Glide Move
1. Place a soft ball on a flat, hard surface such as a table.
2. Sit in front of the table, making sure your shoulders are completely relaxed throughout the entire move.
3. Using your right hand, glide the ball from point 3 to point 5 in a back-and-forth gliding motion, using light to moderate pressure.
4. Keep the tip of your middle finger on the table throughout the move and make sure your hand is open.
5. Continue as you breathe in for 3 to 4 deep breaths.
6. Switch hands and repeat.
Note: Make sure that the ball does not move outside the point 3 to point 5 range if the ball goes too high or too low, it can irritate the fingers or wrist . If necessary, you can use your other hand to help control the ball.
Shear Move
1. Place a soft ball on a flat, hard surface such as a table.
2. Sit in front of the table, making sure your shoulders are completely relaxed throughout the entire move.
3. Using your right hand, make small circles under point 3, the thumb pad, for 3 to 4 deep breaths. Move slowly and apply a light to moderate pressure.
Note: Make sure that the ball doesnt move outside the point ranges.
Recommended Reading: Bliss Massage Spa Arlington Va 22207
Don’t Miss: Can Arthritis In The Knee Cause Leg Pain
Calm Your Arthritis With Us
If youre living with arthritis and your doctor deems you to be a good candidate for massage therapy, we have just the place. At Greentoes in Tucson we strive to create a calm, relaxing, comfortable environment for people to find relief in. You can book an arthritis massage appointment on our website or by phone.
Dont Miss: What To Do For Cats With Arthritis
Does My Health Fund Cover Massage Therapy
Many health funds provide rebates for remedial massage therapy treatments in Australia if performed by members of the Massage & Myotherapy Australia or equivalent organisation. To ensure you are covered, contact your health fund and check with your therapist when making your appointment.
You May Like: What Is Best Vitamin For Arthritis
Don’t Miss: How To Reduce Risk Of Arthritis
Are There Any Risks Or Safety Precautions
Always discuss any new treatments you are thinking about trying with your rheumatologist or doctor to find out if there are specific things you should avoid. As people with arthritis are likely to have joint and soft tissue pain and damage, it is important to check the qualifications and experience of the therapist providing the massage. Massage therapy may not be appropriate when joints are acutely inflamed check with your rheumatologist or doctor.
Finding A Massage Therapist
Because of the unique needs associated with your RA, make sure you find an experienced massage therapist. Ask your medical team for referrals, talk to a physical therapist, or do a search on the American Massage Therapy Association website. Make sure you have a thorough discussion with the massage therapist before treatment to make sure that they are aware of what they need to do and not do with RA. This discussion should also include details about your medical history and current condition.
Recommended Reading: Whats The Swedish Massage
Read Also: What’s The Best Medicine For Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis In The Hands
Early symptoms include:
- Dull or burning joint pain, appearing hours or a day after increased use of your hands.
- Morning pain and stiffness in your hand.
- Swollen joints in your hand.
If youve had arthritis in your hand for some time:
- Symptoms are present more often.
- Pain may change from dull ache to sharp pain.
- Pain may wake you up at night.
- Pain may cause you to change the way you use your hand.
- Tissue surrounding your affected joint may become red and tender to the touch.
- Youll feel grating, grinding, cracking or clicking when bending your fingers.
- Your fingers cant fully open and close.
- Small bony nodules form on the middle joint of your fingers or at the top joints of your fingers .
- Your finger joints become large and deformed and abnormally bent, leaving your hands weak and less able to accomplish everyday tasks.
Discuss The Options With Your Client
When your client experiences arthritis, its imperative to ask about the severity and whereabouts of the pain. This will help you gain an understanding of how soft or hard you may apply pressure. Its best to continually discuss how the patient is feeling throughout the appointment, to ensure the client isnt feeling any discomfort. Its also worth trying to gauge whether the pressure is too much by judging the persons body language and movements. Its also recommended that you confirm with the client whether they have received approval from their medical professional before they receive a massage.
Looking to upskill so you can better help your clients who suffer from arthritis? Consider enrolling in a Discover Massage Australia course today.
Recommended Reading: Is Watermelon Good For Arthritis
How To Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you have rheumatoid arthritis of the hand, medication, rest, and exercise are essential in managing the symptoms. You should also avoid trigger foods such as processed and red meat, dairy products, artificial sugar, gluten, MSG, and fatty and oily foods. These foods stimulate the bodys inflammatory process, making the symptoms of RA worse.
Doctors may also recommend that you work with an occupational therapist to help you manage the symptoms and regain the functions of your hands and fingers. In fact, experts say that you must consult an occupational therapist as soon as you get a diagnosis. The sooner you do this, the sooner you will see improvement.
Know When Its Time To Refer Out
Most, if not all, of these clients are going to be working with other health care providers, so you need a good understanding of other treatments theyre using. Again, know what medications theyre using, as well as if they see a physical therapist, for example.
Additionally, you have to be aware of when its time to refer to a specialist. Perhaps its another massage therapist who you know has additional education in helping people with arthritis.
Or, maybe you need them to get a referral from their rheumatologist before a massage therapy session because youve noticed swelling or joint pain that wasnt present before. Whatever the case, knowing when you need to involve other health care providers is crucial.
Don’t Miss: How To Relieve Arthritis Pain
What Is The Best Massage Technique For Rheumatoid Arthritis
The benefits of massage affect people differently. There is no one type or method of massage best for everyone. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers can benefit from several different types of massage. The depth of the massage, amount of pressure, and style are unique to each massage.
Massage techniques are designed to correct or improve conditions and well-being. There are 100 or more different types of massage methods, and a few popular ones practiced in the U.S. are:Swedish massage A variety of strokes and pressure to improve blood flow to the heart. Enhances oxygen absorption in the body removes toxins from tissues and muscles stretches tendons and ligaments ensuring pliability. An enjoyable way to reduce stress.
Deep tissue massageThe goal of this technique is to reduce soreness deep within muscle tissue. Muscle stress can block nutrients and oxygen, causing toxic build-up resulting in inflammation. Deep tissue massage loosens muscle, stimulating the release of toxins. This will promote blood and oxygen circulation. Deep tissue massage is recommended for people with constant pain and who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. It involves the superficial and deep layers of muscle.
Shiatsu A Japanese technique involving gentle finger, hand, and palm pressure to specific areas of the body to relieve pain. These areas are the energy pathways or meridians and once opened, blood and oxygen flow increases.
Take Care Of Your Hands: Get A Hand Massage
The hand is a complex structure made up of many small bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons as well as blood vessels and nerves. Whether you have carpal tunnel, arthritis, or not, it is of utmost importance to keep your hand healthy.
A hand massage may be the perfect way to soothe sore muscles and increase your sense of well-being. It can help with conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or neuropathy among others!
With nearly 5 years of experience in the medical field, Marijune holds a registered nurse license and a certificate as a mental health nurse practitioner. She is an adventurous young professional, and her hobbies include diving, windsurfing, and saber fencing.As an avid writer, she is most passionate about sharing acquired knowledge in the medical field and how to apply it to improve the quality of life of our readers.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Checked For Arthritis
Ekrin 365 Our First Pick
The Ekrin 365 is our top pick because it checks all of the boxes above, and may be very helpful for patients dealing with arthritis.
In fact, we even have first-hand experience with massage guns to help manage arthritis, and this device is preferred over others.
The performance of the 365 is perfectly balanced for many forms of arthritis, but what does that mean?
Well, the device has a medium stroke length of slightly over 10mm, putting it in that sweet spot between punchy and vibrational and making it very versatile for different body areas.
With a stall force of 30-40lbs , the 365 doesnt stall or slow under pressure. This makes the device a solid choice for larger body areas and bigger muscle groups that might not be addressed with a weaker gun.
This device can rev fast at 3200 RPM, which is great for increasing blood flow and getting fluid moving around the joint.
Another few reasons we picked the Ekrin 365 as our top recommendation
Attachments most other guns come with hard or semi-hard attachments, but the 365 comes with one of the softest attachments on the market: a soft silicone ball head that works great on sensitive areas. Many people prefer to start with a very soft attachment and progress to a harder attachment over time.
The Ekrin 365 also comes with standard fork, bullet, and flat heads which are included with its cousin models, the Ekrin B37 and B37S.
Nice touches:
LEARN MORE: Read our hands-on Ekrin 365 review.
Can Everyone With Arthritis Get A Massage
People with certain comorbidities may not be eligible candidates for massage. Individuals with severe osteoporosis, significant joint erosion or damage, people with high blood pressure, and people with a multitude of varicose veins may not be ideal candidates for massage.
If you feel you may not be an ideal candidate, talk to your doctor. Mild joint damage or slightly elevated blood pressure may not be significant enough to prevent massage. If severe joint damage only exists in one limb, that limb can be omitted from the massage. Your doctor will let you know if youre clear to go and inform you of what you should tell your massage therapist when you book your appointment.
Also Check: Can Arthritis Cause Bone Cancer
Other Features To Be Aware Of
The ergonomics of your device should allow for comfortable use we really like angled handles to reduce stress on the wrist and hand.
The weight of the device should feel light for you, and you shouldnt feel any strain in your arms from operating the device.
The attachments that come with your device should be varied, including at least one soft/cushioned head for sensitive areas. Most devices come with a variety of attachments, but we find that 4-6 heads is usually enough for any job.
Other features such as speed selection and build quality can be important, but we believe the key factors above will make the most difference in managing your arthritis.
What If Im Experiencing Painful Inflammation
Inflammatory arthritis is at its most uncomfortable at the head of a flare up. During this time, massage will exacerbate that pain. While its normal for certain parts of a massage to be slightly uncomfortable as difficult muscles are being tended to, its not normal to feel as though youre in unbearable pain.
It can be hard to predict when a flare up of inflammation will occur, which then in turn makes it hard to decide when to book a massage therapy appointment. Dont wait until the pain starts to become more significant an ideal massage will happen while youre feeling relatively good. This massage should keep you feeling good and lessen the severity of any flareups you may experience in the near future.
Don’t Miss: Does Glucosamine And Chondroitin Help Arthritis
What To Expect During A Massage
After the discussion of your medical condition and goals for massage, you will likely be asked to lie down in a comfortable position. The massage therapist will touch you with specific movements based on the type of massage you are getting. It is normal to become very relaxed, even to fall asleep. If something hurts, make sure to tell the therapist. Massage is supposed to make you feel better, not make the pain worse. That said, there may be an element of the hurts-so-good type of pain to a massage.
Getting Started: Whats The Best Massage For Joint Pain
When you want to try a massage for joint pain relief, you might wonder: Whats the best type of massage to choose?
Truth be told, there are a variety of paths you can take to reap the benefits of massage. And what works for your joint pain may not be right for someone elses. For instance, a person with rheumatoid arthritis will likely need a different level of touch than someone who experiences knee pain after running a 5K.
If you want to go the massage therapist route, its best to find someone with experience in arthritis or general joint pain. They can offer a range of massage modalities to choose from, including:
- Swedish massage
Also Check: What To Eat To Prevent Arthritis
How To Use A Massage Gun For Arthritis
When we think of arthritis, often the first thing that comes to mind is pain, but there are many other symptoms. Whether it be joint pain, inflammation, or swelling, one thing is clear: nobody deserves to put up with the constant pain and struggles of arthritis.
In the United States alone, over 54 million adults suffer from arthritis. Thats almost 25 percent of the adult population! What most people dont realize is that arthritis can strike almost anybody. Despite popular opinion, most people who suffer from arthritis are actually under the age of 65.
Technique #4 Finger Cup
To begin, you will want to warm up your patients hand by giving them some compressions on their hand .
The compressions are, essentially, light squeezes on the inside and outside of their hand working from the wrist out to the base of the fingers.
Performing the Massage
Next, you want to
With your other hand, interlace your fingers with theirs, similar to how you did with your other hand. Its a little confusing at first, but heres a video showing how to do it and describing the massage technique.
Once your hands are in position, use your thumbs to
Once you have finished massaging the palm
Don’t Miss: Does Red Meat Cause Arthritis