A wonderful hour of relaxation at an exotic spa is not simply a luxury. Massage can bring blessed pain relief for individuals with a disability. Some patients suffering from arthritis report significant results. One of the reasons massage can prove useful is that patients can often perform simple techniques on themselves. However, the Mayo Clinic cautions that patients with rheumatoid arthritis should consult their physicians to see if massage is safe before making an appointment. You should always advise the professional treating you of your disability, because arthritis patients should have only the gentlest procedure to avoid worsening their condition.

More than 2,000 years ago, even Hippocrates realized the value of "rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a join that is too hard." Fans claim that if massage therapy is practiced correctly, it can help improve joint movement, relax tense muscles and stimulate the flow of both blood and nutrients to the skin and tissue underneath. Patients report it just plain feels good and breaks the cycle of stress that so often accompanies a chronic illness. What exactly is massage? Allaboutarthritis explains that it entails using the hands to manipulate soft tissue by rubbing, stroking, pressing or using similar techniques. One out of every five adults in this country benefits from a profession massage every year.

Nearly 250,000 massage therapists currently practice in the United States. To find one near you, check the listings at the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Practitioners listed must have completed an approved training program and maintain a license accepted by AMTA. The organization cites arthritis as one of the conditions for which massage is beneficial. However, a 2002 article from Medical Clinics of North America reviewed medication literature on the practice and concluded that while few would argue against the short-term relief achieved from arthritis pain, there are no comprehensive studies of the long-term effects of massage.

Some of the most common types of massage therapy for pain relief include:

• Swedish massage: This is a full-body massage that combines stroking, kneading and friction on the uppermost layer of muscles with gentle manipulation of your joints.
• Deep tissue massage: The masseur or masseuse utilizes a fair amount of pressure and slow strokes aimed at the deeper layers of muscles to relieve tension. Since this technique can result in some soreness, it's not appropriate for every client with a disability.
• Myofascial release: This type of massage takes advantage of long, stretching strokes to release tension in your fascia, which is the connective tissue around your muscles.
• Trigger point therapy: The therapist applies concentrated finger pressure on knotted areas of tension or pain that might be linked to pain elsewhere in your body.
• Acupressure and shiatsu: Both of these Asian practices rely on finger pressure directed on certain points of the body that correspond to those targeted in acupuncture. The idea is to free the flow of life energy, or qi.
• Reflexology: The massage therapist rubs certain areas on your hands, feet or ears that correspond to various points on your body.
  

Most massage therapy sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and cost anywhere from $30 to $125 and up per hour. Many patients with disabilities require four to six sessions with about a week between each one. The site suggests that a good massage therapist can demonstrate techniques to use on yourself.

It's important to avoid therapy that's too rough because of the danger of aggravating arthritis pain and symptoms. However, two techniques you might want to try at home include:

• Kneading: Grasp the muscle between your palm or thumb, then lift a little and squeeze, just as you would knead dough. Be careful not to pinch the skin and work into the muscle by using slow motions that squeeze and release. Normally, 15 to 20 seconds per spot is sufficient.
• Stroking: Locate the muscle you want to massage and cup your hand over it. Move your hand firmly over the entire length of the muscle in repeated motions. Some patients prefer to use lotion. You will need to experiment to find the correct level of pressure to apply.
  

Finally, if you have health insurance, check with the carrier to see if massage therapy is covered before paying for it out of pocket.

Sources:
www.allaboutarthritis.com

Read more:
To find further therapies for arthritis, see Physical and Complementary Therapies.

For tips on incorporating exercise into your daily routine, see Making Fitness Stick.

For more advice on relieving stress, see Stress Busters: Tips for Sinking Stress.

For a startling new therapy for chronic pain, see Neurostimulation Devices Help Those Suffering from Chronic Pain.

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