Arthritis can afflict people across all age groups, and statistics show that women are more susceptible to the disease than men. One of the popular ways in which a sufferer can get some much needed relief is through massage therapy.
How can the Symptoms of Arthritis be alleviated by massage?
Basically, arthritis symptoms can be reduced and alleviated by massage due to the fact that massage helps improve poor blood circulation. This in turn will help lower tension and stiffness in joints, which can make a big difference to the patient. Let us take a closer look at three of the most common benefits to using massage to combat the symptoms of arthritis.
Alleviation of Pain and Discomfort
Therapeutic massage is one of the best ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort that the majority of arthritis sufferers experience. One way massage achieves this is by taking the mind away from the pain. In addition, massage helps to release chemicals in the brain known as endorphins. Endorphins are released during and after exercise and they are one of the human body’s own natural pain relievers.
Better Circulation
The swelling in the joints can also be lessened with massage, and this is something that comes hand in hand with increased blood circulation. The swelling suffered by arthritis sufferers is normally due to excess fluid, and if there is an increase in circulation, this excess fluid typically finds itself back in the main blood stream, where it breaks down naturally.
More Flexible Muscles
Another great advantage of massage therapy for arthritis sufferers is the fact that their muscles are likely to become more pliant and flexible. When the pain associated with arthritis reaches the joints, the body’s natural reaction is to protect an area of the body that it assumes is damaged or under attack, therefore it tightens the muscles in the area, and this is why arthritis sufferers experience lack of muscle flexibility.