Medical Massage
Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
Definition: Chronic degeneration
articular cartilage of synovial (movable) joints, primarily affecting weight
bearing joints.
(sometimes referred to as degenerative
joint disease)
Other types of arthritis: Rheumatoid,
spondylosis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis,
infectious arthritis, kawasaki syndrome.
Causes: improper posture that causes
extra stress to joints, injuries resulting in toxic build up in joints,
leading to wearing away of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones.
Dehydration may be a factor, as may nutritional deficiencies, hormonal
imbalances, improper digestion, increased intake of protein, phosphorus.
Possible genetic predisposition. Bacterial, viral or fungal infection of
joint. Calcium metabolism may be inefficient. (caffeine, sugar, phosphorus
deplete levels of calcium from bones)
Signs/Symptoms: stiffness usually
worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity; hypertonic muscles
or weakness due to rigidity of joints; cartilage damage from injuries
Treatment Goals: decrease pressure/tension
on joint; decrease pain; increase range of motion, increase circulation
for removal of toxins.
Techniques: traction, vibration, hydrotherapy
(heat), moderate exercise to increase synovial fluid in joints, gentle
stretching and gymnastics ok.
Cautions: Do not work on inflamed
joints.
Bone
and Joint Conditions by Ben Benjamin
Massage Found Effective for Chronic Hand Arthritis By Julie Engebretson,
Massage Today
Research
backs massage for arthritis (pdf file)-AMTA Foundation
REMEDIES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
By Karta
Purkh Singh Khalsa: AMTA Journal
Seeking Alternatives for Arthritis Sufferers Life Span--Chasing the Pain
Away By Karrie Osborn Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Hand arthritis pain is reduced by massage therapy
Tiffany Field Miguel Diego, Maria
Hernandez-Reif and Jean Shea Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Arthritis
Society of Canada
Balneotherapy Eases Osteoarthritis
Spa
Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Massage Today :
Traumatic arthritis
From the
Touch Research Institute:
"Children with mild to moderate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were massaged
by their parents 15 minutes a day for 30 days (and a control group engaged in
relaxation therapy). The children’s anxiety and stress hormone (cortisol) levels
were immediately decreased by the massage, and over the 30-day period their pain
decreased on self-reports, parent reports, and their physician’s reports.
Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Seligman, S., Krasnegor, J. & Sunshine, W.
(1997). Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Benefits from massage therapy.
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 22, 607-617."
Spondylolisthesis: An Elusive Cause of Low Back Pain By Whitney Lowe, LMT,
NCTMB
-
Recognizing Osteoarthritis
- By Whitney Lowe, LMT, NCTMB
