![]()
If you read our last post on the Infinity blog, you'll know that May is Lupus Awareness Month. Well, it's also Arthritis Awareness Month—and did you know that approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis? Today we'll discuss how massage therapy can help those who suffer from this often-debilitating joint disorder.
How Can Massage Therapy Reduce Arthritis Pain?
Are you ready to regain control in your everyday life—and stop letting arthritis run things? Massage therapy can act as a wonderful complement to your doctor-prescribed arthritis treatment.
Through her various research and studies on the effects of massage for arthritis symptoms, Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, found that regular massage (whether by a licensed therapist at a spa or by self-massage at home) led to improvements in:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Range of motion
- Hand grip strength
- Overall function of the joints
You may be wondering, But how does massage alleviate arthritis symptoms? According the the Arthritis Foundation, research has shown that massage can:
- Decrease the body's production of cortisol (a stress hormone)
- Increase production of serotonin (the chemical that maintains mood balance)
- Reduce production of the neurotransmitter substance P (often linked to pain)
As a result, massage can improve both mood and sleep quality, leading you to enjoy happier days with much less pain.
Please Note: Always be sure to consult with your physician or rheumatologist prior to trying any type of massage therapy. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends using caution when considering a massage if you have:
- Damaged or eroded joints from arthritis
- Flare of inflammation, fever, or a skin rash
- Severe osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- High blood pressure
- Varicose veins
Relieve Arthritis Symptoms With an Infinity Massage Chair
With the go-ahead from your doctor, call Infinity Massage Chairs at 1-603-347-6006 so we can get you into the perfect chair! Our knowledgeable massage chair specialists are ready and waiting to assist you. With a luxury massage chair from Infinity, you'll be feeling like your old self in no time.