The word Arthritis means inflammation of the joint and loss of joint motion. Arthritis can affect a person at any age.
Arthritis is most likely to appear in the following forms: Osteoarthritis (abnormal wear and tear type, from injuries and use), Degenerative joint disease (DJD), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Gout and Juvenile arthritis.
drmeelainling.com |
Eight classes of classes of arthritis and related conditions have been identified. These are:
- Inflammatory Arthritis – The membrane of the joint becomes irritated
- Attachment arthritis – frequently in the heel or lower back, the ligament or tendon fastened to the bone becomes irritated
- Crystal arthritis – the big toe has deposits of microscopic crystals of sodium urate
- Joint infection – bacteria contaminate the fluid inside the joint, usually found in the hip, shoulder and knee
- Cartilage degeneration – usually found in the knees, neck, back, hips, fingers, toes, wrists and feet, this type of arthritis arises when the cartilage of the joint breaks down
- Muscle inflammation – muscle tissues become inflamed
- Local condition – a local injury causes pain, such as tennis elbow, runners knee, etc.
- General conditions – a condition characterized by generalized muscle pain and sleep disturbances.
Massage therapy for arthritis
Although massage therapy cannot cure or stop the progression of arthritis, it can ease the symptoms associated with inflammation and improve quality of life. While the cartilage damage of arthritis cannot be reversed, massage is helpful in reducing muscle spasms and decreasing compression associated with the arthritic joint disorder. The benefits of massage include: Increased circulation, Increased flexibility and mobility, Decreased pain and inflammation, Relief of muscle aches and stiffness and, an overall sense of relaxation and wellness.
A variety of massage styles can help decrease arthritis pain. Swedish massage therapy is the most relaxing and is used to stimulate blood flow to the skin and relax the muscles. Deep-tissue massage therapy can decrease pain and improve movement in specific muscles and joints. Active release can aid in reducing the
scar tissue.
- Did you know that we treat all forms of arthritis?
- We have an infor-mation sheet on nu-tritional supple-ments for arthritis.
- We have an Arthritic line of Custom Orthotics