Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation. Joint inflammation is usually a symptom or sign of another condition. Inflammation is so common, that the term arthritis is often used to refer to any joint pain or disorder.
There are many different types of arthritis that can affect joints all over the body. Fortunately, current treatments allow most people with arthritis to lead active and productive lives. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD) has stated that massage therapy can help decrease arthritis pain and improve flexibility in the muscles, joints, and tendons. Massage therapy accomplishes this by improving circulation in the muscle and soft tissues and manually manipulating the soft tissues around the joint. It is common for doctors to prescribe exercise as a treatment plan which, like massage, helps keep you moving which in turn keeps you away from the soreness and stiffness that comes with being sedentary.
Types of arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – arthritis that affects the spine. It often involves redness, heat, swelling, and pain in the spine or in the joint where the bottom of the spine joins the pelvic bone.
- Gout – crystals that build up in the joints. It usually affects the big toe, but many other joints may be affected.
- Juvenile Arthritis – arthritis in children caused by inflammation of the joints.
- Osteoarthritis – comes with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips and sometimes follows a joint injury.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – may occur in people with psoriasis and it affects the skin, joints, and areas where tissues attach to bone.
- Reactive Arthritis – pain or swelling in a joint that is caused by an infection in your body.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – the body’s own defense system is not working properly. It affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems.
Massage for Arthritis
As a non-intrusive treatment, most types of arthritis will benefit regardless of the underlying cause. For instance, the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage in a joint begins to break down and the bone begins to change. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation throughout the body. Massage therapy can be used to treat either or both. The key is to communicate to Dr. Danieley about your health concerns and diagnoses. As an expert and doctor of chiropractic medicine, he understands the differences in causes and can adjust the treatment plan to better help you heal and overcome the challenges of arthritis.
What to Expect
Whether you have an arthritis diagnosis or not, Dr. Danieley will review your health history and any prescriptions you may be taking. He will encourage you to talk about the specific pain areas and may assess your range of motion and how your body & posture have been affected by compensating for any movement restrictions. After the consultation phase, Dr. Danieley may have you lie down on a padded table so that you are in a comfortable position and he can move freely while providing that massage treatment. After the massage, it is important to follow any stretching routines and to continue regular massage therapy sessions in order to continue improving your mobility and anti-inflammatory exercises. Kinetic Spine & Sports is your trusted pain management center in Weddington, NC.
