Osteoarthritis & Massage

Osteoarthritis which is also known as OA is a disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage.  Cartilage surrounds joints and cushions them from impact, while helping them to continue moving easily.  When the cartilage degenerates and bone begins to rub against bone, people will experience pain and difficulty with motion. 

Signs and Symptoms that you might have OA are but not limited to, sore or stiff joints, pain, loss of flexibility or decreased range of motion, rubbing sensation, bone spurs.  Most are over the age of 45 who experience OA symptoms, and are generally female, even though both sexes are affected.  There are 27 million Americans suffering from this condition.

There are many treatments for Osteoarthritis to include Medication, Therapy, Surgery, Hot and Cold Packs, Chronic pain management classes, Exercise, Weight loss, and Massage.

To use massage therapy as your treatment a doctors must first clear you for massage.  There are different mechanisms that can cause pain and reduce flexibility, range of motion, and mobility, so it will be very important to have a treatment plan in place to implement the best type of massage.   

Studies done to research whether massage is an effective osteoarthritis treatment indicate that massage does help reduce pain and improve function.  Massage is a naturally effective tool in fighting common health problems.  A simple 15 minute session with moderate pressure can lead to reduced pain and related anxiety.