Arthritis is a condition that gives rise to inflammation and pain in the joints. Every year, millions of people across the world suffer from this debilitating condition, which impairs one’s ability to perform daily activities and affects the overall quality of life.
Although arthritis doesn’t have any cure, there are several treatment options to manage the pain and, slow down the progression of the disease. Steroid injections, medications, surgery, etc., are some options that can reduce arthritis symptoms, and manage the suffering effectively.
Along with that, massage therapy also works wonders to improve mobility and manage excruciating pain. Let’s explore this article till the end to discover how a therapeutic massage in Richmond can help manage arthritis conditions.
Arthritis: Types and Challenges
Arthritis, as you already know, affects the joints, and causes significant physical, and emotional distress. The two most common types of arthritis affect people the most-
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is a condition where the cartilage present at the ends of our bones, and provides cushioning, wears over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Also referred to as ‘autoimmune disease,’ this type causes the body’s immune system to attack its own joints.
Along with being incurable, in both cases, the damages are often irreversible. But medications, surgeries, or injections, along with the best massage therapy can surely help manage distress and suffering and reduce joint damage substantially.
Therapeutic Massage- A Non-Invasive Way to Heal
Surgeries and injections are invasive methods to treat such conditions. However, if someone’s looking for non-invasive ways to get rid of their suffering, a therapeutic massage can go a long way!
How so? Here are goes the reasons-
- It helps improve blood circulation
Inflammatory conditions due to arthritis restrict blood flow to the affected area, which adds to the distress. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to enhance the overall circulation. This leads to an affluent supply of oxygen, and nutrient-rich blood to the joints, which promotes healing, and helps remove the metabolic wastes that are key contributors to pain and stiffness.
- It helps ease muscle tension
One of the main reasons why arthritis is a painful condition is because it stiffens the muscles present around the affected joints. The best therapeutic massage in Richmond involves kneading, stroking, and stretching techniques, that help release this muscle tension and stiffness and help improve mobility significantly. Relaxed muscles mean the pressure upon the joints is reduced, which further contributes to pain reduction.
- It helps reduce pain and inflammation
Pain and inflammation reduction are two of the most common reasons why people suffering from arthritis conditions are inclined toward massage therapy in Richmond. Why?
Because massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscles and tissues, which is super effective in reducing pain and inflammation. The kneading and stroking techniques cause interruptions in the pain signals that are transmitted to the brain. This leads to the release of endorphins (a hormone known as the body’s natural painkillers), which ultimately helps alleviate the discomfort.
Added to relieving the acute pain, regular massage sessions can also help reduce the inflammations in the affected area. Certain types of massages like Swedish massage, or deep tissue massage in Richmond involve long smooth strokes, and deep tissue manipulation respectively, which eventually promote lymphatic drainage, and cause a decrease in swelling.
- It helps promote relaxation
Arthritis is an out-and-out physical condition. However, the condition takes a heavy toll on the physical, as well as the mental, and emotional well-being of the victim.
Chronic and acute pain, along with reduced mobility, can be the major causes of frustration. Not just that, but it can also inject high levels of stress and anxiety among victims, along with signs of depression.
In such a situation, a Richmond massage therapy can be of great help, both physically and mentally. It can readily help decrease the cortisol levels (stress hormones), and enhance the overall mood of the victim. Along with it, the calming effects of massage therapy also help release serotonin and dopamine which promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety levels substantially.
To Conclude
A therapeutic body massage in Richmond might not cure arthritis but is definitely one of the best non-invasive ways to help manage the pain and distress that comes associated with such conditions. Hence, it’s highly advisable for arthritis victims to opt for massage sessions along with their ongoing therapies to enhance the overall efficacy of treatment and improve their well-being.
