Benefits of Massage with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Benefits of Massage for Rheumatoid Arthritis

For my research paper subject I chose to study and find more information regarding Rheumatoid Arthritis. In this paper I will go through the following:

• a Western Medicine description of the condition, 
• a Traditional Chinese Medicine description of the condition, 
• the benefits of massage for this condition, 
• the contraindications of massage for this condition, 
• and the modifications of massage that can be made for this condition.

     Western Medicine on Rheumatoid Arthritis: in the Western Medicine point of view Rheumatoid Arthritis it is known as an autoimmune disease. This disease is the body’s immune system trying to help protect the body but going about it in the wrong way. In this condition it is the immune system attacking the joints of the body. The joints most commonly affected are those of the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Swelling and pain generally occur as symptoms of this condition. This condition can cause a decrease in joint mobility, a decrease in the cartilage of the joints, and a decrease in the spacing between the bones in joints. There are many ways to have self-care when dealing with this condition. A few ways to keep good self-care with this condition are a healthy diet, physical exercise, or hot and cold therapies.

     Traditional Chinese Medicine on Rheumatoid Arthritis: in Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatoid Arthritis is looked at in a different way. There are categories for different types of arthritis such as the upper and lower body, the deficiency or excess of the condition, the pain of the condition, or the hot and cold types. Rheumatoid Arthritis is known as a disorder of Qi and blood circulation that leads to the swelling and pain of the condition. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an invasion of the joints by wind and dampness which belong to the Wood and Earth elements. Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies can help to relieve the pain from the condition. A few of these ways are acupressure, acupuncture, herbal remedies, Qi Gong physical exercises and massage, or diet changes.

      Benefits of Massage on Rheumatoid Arthritis: there is a vast number of ways that massage can benefit those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Massage can have a very pleasant effect on Rheumatoid Arthritis and the pain that comes with it, massage has been known to help soothe and calm the body overall from the tension and stress it has gone through with the condition. Massage therapy can help relieve the sore muscles and joints in the major areas affected by this condition also. Since Rheumatoid Arthritis attacks the joint and lessens mobility, massage therapy can make a significant difference in improving range of motion for those affected by it. Stiffness and pain can decrease significantly when massage therapy is applied with this condition.

      Contraindications of Massage on Rheumatoid Arthritis: there are times when massage therapy should not be used with this condition. The main contraindication of massage therapy on Rheumatoid Arthritis is when the patient or client is experiencing a painful flare up in the symptoms of the condition. Massage therapy can worsen or increase this pain of condition with too much pressure. This might be an instance when massage should be avoided until flare up ceases or make use of light pressure in massage so as not to increase pain.

       Modifications of Massage on Rheumatoid Arthritis: there are times when modifications may be needed for client to have a relaxing experience throughout the massage. The massage should be modified if the client or patient is in significant pain from the condition. Light pressure is a common way of still giving relief to the client but not worsening the pain or swelling of condition. Deep pressure may be applied if the client or patient with condition feels more relief this way rather than light pressure. Applying passive range of motion during massage can be beneficial if agreeable to client and if client is not experiencing much pain at the time. Checking your client’s range of motion before and after the massage can help form a basis of their level of range of motion and how they are improving.

      It is always good to know and learn more about the different conditions that can be helped by massage therapy. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be very painful and degenerative. The benefits of massage are endless for those experiencing this condition. Those with this condition are often seeking relief when using massage therapy and it is best when we know best how to care for them in the right ways.

  References: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/self-care.php, http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis.php, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system, http://www.itmonline.org/arts/arthritis.htm, http://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/10/19/tcm-approaches-relieve-arthritis, http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/massage/massage-benefits.php, http://www.livestrong.com/article/129484-massage-therapy-contraindications/