Inflammation of the joints, stiffness, and pain are the most common symptoms of arthritis. And it's more than just one disease -- there are at least 100 variations of arthritis claiming new sufferers every day. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and even fibromyalgia are just a few of the arthritis heavy hitters.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often associated with wear and tear on the body. This disease is degenerative and caused by the deterioration of joint cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and loss of movement. Repetitive stress injuries and excess body weight are considered two of the avoidable causes of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (also known as rheumatism or synovitis) is an autoimmune disease affecting 1 percent of adults worldwide.3 "In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the tissue that lines and cushions joints," says Ray Sahelian, M.D., an internationally-known specialist from Marina Del Rey, Calif. "Eventually the cartilage, bone, and ligaments of the joint erode, causing scars to form within the joint."4 But it doesn't stop at just the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the entire body, including internal organs. Women develop the disease two to three times more frequently than men, and it often first appears between the ages of 25 and 50.5
For years, those living with arthritis have sought out pharmaceutical help in dealing with the pain and inflammation. But relief from these drugs can come at a high price. Stomach irritation, peptic ulcers, and increased bleeding are just a few of the side effects of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), the most common pharmaceuticals prescribed for arthritis. Despite an off-again/on-again directive reported in the news for some of the more popular drugs, recent research paints a grim picture. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, at least 16,500 deaths are caused each year by the use of NSAIDS prescribed for arthritis pain relief.6
This might be "the" motivating factor when arthritis sufferers begin seeking out better disease management solutions.
Massage for Relief
Most arthritis sufferers may not think of massage when they start to explore which complementary therapies might ease their pain. Yet, while it is doubtful an arthritic joint can "heal" completely with massage, it can feel better. And for an arthritis sufferer, "better" is a welcome word, particularly when there are no side effects involved.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, more and more doctors are recommending massage to their arthritis patients to help relieve pain and stiffness.7 With more physicians becoming massage allies, those stricken with the disease may be more accepting of touch therapies.
When arthritis causes cartilage to deteriorate, the surrounding muscles can become tight and act as a splint, thereby helping the joint function. Increasing circulation in and around the joint increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, including amino acids, to rebuild tissue, as well as the removal of waste products. Passive range of motion can also help educate the body insofar as the laying down of new tissue.
From gentle stretching to vibration to friction, there are several ways to work with this type of symptom. Says Barrett, "Many of my clients who suffer from arthritis find that regular massage, which might be weekly for some and monthly for others, brings relief that lasts longer than medication and is less harmful to the body overall."
The research surrounding massage and arthritis is still sparse, but the call for more inquiry is out. In 2004, Biotone pledged $50,000 to the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine to support research on the benefits of massage for the pain and disability of arthritis. This study will focus on arthritis of the hands and will examine how massage can reduce joint tenderness and improve joint mobility, grip strength, and functional ability.8
And while there still are naysayers who don't necessarily advocate massage as a treatment for arthritis, their parallel call for stress reduction makes massage therapy an obvious candidate for arthritis sufferers. "If you suffer from arthritis, you need to be especially aware of stress, since it can make it harder to manage your symptoms,"9 write the editors at Allaboutarthritis.com.
Gentle Exercise
Not long ago experts warned arthritis sufferers to avoid exercise as it could put further stress on their already damaged weight-bearing joints. Thankfully, that recommendation has been discarded, but its ghost still lingers in the minds of some affected by the disease.
It is an unfortunate paradox for arthritis sufferers that while exercise is a valid component in their treatment, typical programs can be too painful to undertake. Forms of gentle exercise, such as tai chi, qigong, and yoga, can help jump-start the process, laying the groundwork for more strenuous exercise down the road. The goal here is to simply get the body moving, because for those stricken with arthritis, the cliché is especially true -- use it or lose it.
When it comes to managing arthritic pain, releasing tension is key.
Positive Thinking -- Negativity is a powerful factor in health and well-being. People who are unhappy with their lot in life are often physically miserable as well. Information surrounding the mind-body-spirit triad has shown the powerful healer we all have within us. Arthritis sufferers can benefit from this tremendously as they often feel defeated by their pain and weakening mobility. Accepting the situation arthritis has presented, and being proactive in a positive course of action, can empower those dealing with arthritis and put them back in charge of their health.
Pain Management -- According to the editors at Allaboutarthritis.com, there are several avenues to take when it comes to finding a personally viable way of handling the pain. In the same vein as positive thinking, distraction or redirection of thoughts is one way to ease the mind out from under the fog of pain. Since our brains like to focus on one thing at a time, they say, redirecting thoughts and/or actual activity to something we enjoy can provide some relief
