Massage for Arthritis

According to Tiffany Field, PHD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, regular massage of the muscles and joints can lead to a significant reduction in pain for people with arthritis.

In Field’s research and other recent studies on the effects of using massage for arthritis symptoms, regular use of massage led to improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, handgrip strength and overall function of the joints.

It has been shown that massage can reduce the levels of the stress hormone Cortisol that your body produces. Cortisol is a stress hormone, too much of it can lead to anxiety, headaches, memory and concentration problems and trouble sleeping. Research has also shown massage to reduce the levels of other hormones in the body such as inflammatory cytokines including IL-4 and IL-10

Massage can boost levels of serotonin, known widely as the happy chemical, which helps to keep the nervous system in tip top condition and regulate your immune system.

Whilst massage can be good for arthritis it is important to note that moderate pressure should be used: “The critical thing is using moderate pressure,” says Field. “Light pressure, just touching the surface of the skin or brushing it superficially, is not getting at those pressure receptors. Light pressure can be stimulating, not relaxing.“