The most simple definition of arthritis is “inflammation of a joint or joints,” but those suffering from the condition know that living with arthritis is not at all simple. In the United States alone, tens of millions of people, including infants, children, teens, and adults, deal with the pain and discomfort of arthritis every single day. Studies show that there is a higher rate of arthritis among white Americans, but symptoms tend to be worse for minorities such as Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans. Massage therapy can help ease pain and discomfort for those who prefer holistic healing methods. Read on to find out more.
Like many people with arthritis, Connie DeIanni has days when her pain is hard to manage. One tactic she uses to fight her pain, as well as the stress that comes along with it, is a soothing massage.
“I’ve used massage as a therapy, but more for the sore muscles that are compromised due to flares,” says DeIanni, a Farmington, Utah, bank employee and college student who has rheumatoid arthritis. “There’s a calming effect on the tension and stress of the constant pain that is rewarding.”
Massage, whether conducted in a softly lit day spa or a treatment room at a physical therapy clinic, is something many people use to soothe sore joints and muscles, to ease anxiety or to help them sleep better. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, reports that massage is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by Americans, with close to nine percent of adults using it.