Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, impacts over 25 million of Americans, and millions more around the world. Osteoarthritis is a slow progressive degenerative process affects the joints, normally caused by aging, injury and/or obesity. Any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but most commonly the hands, knees, hips and spine are affected. If you experience chronic swelling, stiffness, and pain in your joints, you could have osteoarthritis, and it may be time to contact your doctor.
Osteoarthritis is normally managed using pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication. This form of therapy can have a limited effectiveness. Recently, research has proven massage therapy to be effective in reducing pain. In a study titled Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial, the researchers wanted to determine the efficacy and practicality of treating arthritis using massage. The researchers found that the participants who received a weekly 60-minute Swedish Massage, had significant decrease in pain and stiffness, and a significant increase in function and motion, in comparison to the group of participants who continued with their usual care and did not utilize massage. Additionally, in a study titled Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee, the researchers reported that their results support Swedish Massage as being a safe and effect method of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, even more so than acupuncture. This supports a number of other studies seeking to determine the effectiveness of massage for arthritis.
So how does massage therapy benefit those from suffering from osteoarthritis? Massage increases blood flow and oxygen to the area massaged, allowing the body to naturally repair the damaged soft tissue. Massage therapy can also decrease adhesions in the fascia (connective tissue) that inhibits movement in the muscles and surrounding tissue. Additionally, massage therapy increases lymphatic drainage, which aids in removing waste and drain inflamed, swollen tissues. This allows your body to heal and heal effectively. Lastly, massage therapy can be relaxing and improve your overall wellbeing.
If you are suffering from osteoarthritis in the Jacksonville, FL area, visit my website at HolisticBodyworksMassage.com to schedule your massage therapy appointment.
Osteoarthritis is normally managed using pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication. This form of therapy can have a limited effectiveness. Recently, research has proven massage therapy to be effective in reducing pain. In a study titled Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial, the researchers wanted to determine the efficacy and practicality of treating arthritis using massage. The researchers found that the participants who received a weekly 60-minute Swedish Massage, had significant decrease in pain and stiffness, and a significant increase in function and motion, in comparison to the group of participants who continued with their usual care and did not utilize massage. Additionally, in a study titled Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee, the researchers reported that their results support Swedish Massage as being a safe and effect method of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, even more so than acupuncture. This supports a number of other studies seeking to determine the effectiveness of massage for arthritis.
So how does massage therapy benefit those from suffering from osteoarthritis? Massage increases blood flow and oxygen to the area massaged, allowing the body to naturally repair the damaged soft tissue. Massage therapy can also decrease adhesions in the fascia (connective tissue) that inhibits movement in the muscles and surrounding tissue. Additionally, massage therapy increases lymphatic drainage, which aids in removing waste and drain inflamed, swollen tissues. This allows your body to heal and heal effectively. Lastly, massage therapy can be relaxing and improve your overall wellbeing.
If you are suffering from osteoarthritis in the Jacksonville, FL area, visit my website at HolisticBodyworksMassage.com to schedule your massage therapy appointment.
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