Showing posts with label Soft tissue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soft tissue. Show all posts
Massage Therapies for Arthritis: An Overview
Massage therapies for arthritis have been practised some thousands years old, but are still considered to be one of the most effective treatment for arthritis.
Arthritis is a kind of rheumatic disease that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Sometimes, the disease may create complications and affect other parts of the body like muscles and internal organs.
However, if administered properly, massage therapies for arthritis can effectively help improve joint movement and relax tense muscles. They also stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and its underlying tissues. Let me give you an insight into how the massage therapies for arthritis work.
Massage therapies for arthritis involve manipulation of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues through rubbing, stroking, or putting pressure on the flesh with your hands. Massaging of muscles, tendons and soft tissues around the inflamed joint result in increased blood flow to and from the diseased joint. It also helps in enhanced lymphatic drainage around the treatment area.
Normally, the therapist asks you to remove some or all of your clothing and lie on a padded table with your body covered with a sheet or towel. The therapist uncovers only that part of your body, which would need to be massaged. The therapist then pours an oil or lotion on your skin and begins the massage therapy. You should inform your therapist if you have any skin allergies, before he uses any oil. During the therapy if you find that you are experiencing pain, ask the therapist to slow down. Rough rubbing and stroking are not recommended in massage therapies for arthritis.
Massage therapies for arthritis usually last from sixty to ninety minutes. However, undergoing just one session of therapy may give relief from pain on a short-term basis. In order to feel some real improvements, I personally recommend four to six sessions of massage therapy for arthritis each of which should be about a week apart.
At first, the massage therapist asks questions about your current physical condition, medical history and what should be your expectations from the treatment. Based on these, the therapist decides on the right treatment you require.
Normally, massage therapies for arthritis may cost somewhere between $30 and $125 per hour depending on your physical condition, medical history and the intensity of pain. However, some insurance companies cover the cost of such alternative treatments, but then, you must get it prescribed by a doctor.
The massage therapist may show you some techniques for massage, which you may use on yourself at home. However, some massage therapies for arthritis when done by the patient himself, are not as effective and relaxing. You should self-massage yourself only on those spots on your body where your hands can reach. For hard-to-reach places, you do need a partner to help you out. Always consult your therapist if you are trying out something new in your self-massage routine.
Overall, massage therapies for arthritis give excellent results in majority of the cases. They break the cycle of pain and stress that comes along with arthritis. Lastly, the relaxation they bring about is just great.
Source: Free Articles
Author: skleong
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The benefits of massage therapy
Now, massage therapy cannot just be called as ‘rubbing.’ With most of the young Hollywood getting a massage or two every week, it has become the toast of the social set. Its popularity can be seen with the way a lot of massage therapy clinics have opened shops in the last few years with many more planning to in the next couple of months. Currently there are about 100,000 massage therapists in the country and the numbers are increasing two-fold.
Massage therapy in the scientific terms is the process of putting pressure on muscular structure and soft tissues in the body for relaxation. Pressure in this instance can mean a lot of things, from holding and pressing to kneading and rocking. Massages are primarily done with the hands although some massage therapists also use other parts of their bodies like the forearms, elbows and the feet.
Its popularity is actually not surprising especially with this stressful world. Many people are turning to massage therapy for relaxation and regeneration. And unlike other de-stressors, massage therapy is scientifically based and its advantages are all research proven. Besides its physical benefits, it also known to improve the overall wellbeing of the mind and the spirit.
Below are some of the benefits that massage therapy gives us.
1. Relaxation
This is the number one reason why people coming back to the clinics. After a week of stress in the office or at home, people especially women, just want to relax. Massages are great for the skin as it stimulates the release of toxins and hormones. In fact, some studies have even shown massages as being able to lower the possibility of wrinkles production.
2. Relieves pain
Another benefit of massage therapy is the fact that it can loosen those tight muscles especially if you frequently have cramps on your legs. Going to the clinics can also relieve you of your tired and aching muscles. This is especially useful with people who are into sports or those who live the active lifestyle.
3. Makes you a better athlete
People who are into sports can also benefit much from massage therapy. If you feel that your muscles have become tight and rickety, massages can improve on your flexibility and also increase your range of motion. If you get massages all the time, you will notice that you can now do movements that were painful to do before. Massages also improve the body’s resistance. It lowers the blood pressure, heart rate and even helps in recoveries from injuries and sprains. It also strengthens the immune system.
4. Improve mental faculties
Massages are also great ways to improve your mental performance. It can actually reduce mental stress, allowing you to work better and think clearer. It is also known to relieve headaches. Massage therapy also allows you to concentrate better on the task at hand. After a massage, you will basically have a clean slate in your mind that is equivalent to the restful therapy that sleep gives.
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