Osteoarthritis & Massage Therapy

In recent years, massage therapy has emerged as a powerful weapon in the fight to relieve discomfort from OA. Muscles and tendons support and move all the body's joints. Inflamed, painful joints affect muscles and tendons. Because massage therapy is a passive form of exercise, it can help OA sufferers by increasing circulation, range of motion, and tissue suppleness while removing lymph from between the cells.

In her book, Pain Erasure, author Bonnie Prudden writes that "95 percent of all OA pain can be relieved." Massage therapists can work specifically on a muscle of joint. They remove trigger points, using moist heat or ice, as well as stretching and resistance exercises. Research at The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medial School suggests that massage can also increase immune response by increasing killer T cell production, assisting the body to fight off viruses and bacteria.

Other studies indicate that emotional stress can decrease the immune response, making OA sufferers more prone to flareups. Massage helps the body return to a relaxed or balanced state scientists call homeostasis. Relaxation is achieved by affecting an aspect of the central nervous system know as the parasympathetic nervous system or the rest and repose nervous system. Massage is one in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere to insure that best possible results.

"Gentle massage often helps arthritis, especially when it's delivered in a caring, compassionate manner."
Dr Christine Northrup's
Health Wisdom for Women February 1997

The primary goal of a massage treatment is to ease painful muscles and joints. To accomplish this goal, therapists may use a wide variety or modalities. Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Massage, Shiatsu, heat, ice, stretching or gentle body mobilization techniques are effective. Once the pain has diminished and maximum range of motion is established, the therapist will work with you to maintain and minimize any further pain patterns that are so common in arthritis flare-ups.

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We are dedicated to providing the highest quality hands-on health experience to meet your individual needs.

Member of The American Massage Therapy Association

Serving Chicagoland and the western suburbs including: Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside and Oakbrook.

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708-386-7415
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