Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans today, and one out of two people will statistically be diagnosed with arthritis at some point. Although dozens of different types of arthritis exist, the primary two forms which affect the greatest number of people are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Let’s take a look at what each of these arthritic diseases entails and the possible massage treatments for each.

1. How Massage Can Benefit You and Other Arthritis
Sufferers
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Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans today, and one out of two people will statistically be
diagnosed with arthritis at some point. Although dozens of different types of arthritis exist, the primary two
forms which affect the greatest number of people are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Let’s take a
look at what each of these arthritic diseases entails and the possible massage treatments for each.
Osteoarthritis
The overwhelming majority of people diagnosed with arthritis are those with Osteoarthritis, which affects
27 million people in the US. As the body ages, the cartilage, which is the soft, padded layer between
bones, begins to break down, and in some cases, it wears away completely resulting in excruciating pain
with every movement. As such, the pain causes stiffness and severely limits a person’s mobility.
Massage Treatment for Osteoarthritis
The primary treatments for Osteoarthritis involve the management and reduction in its symptoms, and
massage has been shown to significantly relieve the amount of pain experienced as massage allows the
muscles of the joints to relax, which decreases stiffness and improves mobility and range of motion. As the
tissues are massaged, blood flow is increased to the affected areas, and inflammation-stimulating
substances and cells are removed from the tissues. Some of the most effective massage therapies for the
treatment of Osteoarthritis are as follows:

2. Trigger Point
This massage focuses on trigger points, which a
tight area in the muscle that results in transferred,
pain to the joints. During the massage, the person
receiving the massage focuses on deep breathing
exercises while the massage therapist works on
massaging the exact spot of the tight area, which
releases the constricted portions of the muscles.
Reiki
This type of massage combines the “Universal
Life Force Energy–Reiki–and the idea of a
massage. During this therapy, the massage
therapist will begin by placing her hands still on
the head and work her way down through the
seven chakras of the body.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is designed to relax the entire
body through the use of long massage stretches
that guide the blood back towards the heart.
Swedish massage focuses on using these
techniques to improve circulation and removal of
toxins from the body. In addition, some massage
therapies can include firm kneading, tapping,
bending, stretching, and applying circular
pressure with the hands.
Reflexology
Reflexology massage focuses on the foot and
hands during the massage to relax and passively improve the range of motion in the joints of the
feet, legs, hands, and arms. During the massage, the therapist will apply firm pressure and
kneading of the tissues of these joints to work to improve the stress and anxiety of the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the immune system begins to attack the connective tissues–cartilage,
tendons, and bone–within the joints of the body. Sadly, more than 294,000 children find themselves with a
diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis prior to reaching 18-years-old. Let’s take a look at how massage therapy
can benefit Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers.
Massage Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Some of the traditional medical treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis can put you at significant risk for
complication and further disease; however, you can find relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis in a newer, totally

3. non-invasive, non-medication treatment through massage, which is especially important for the children
with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some of the most common massages therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis include:
Swedish Massage
– (See above)
Reflexology
– (See above)
Deep Tissue Massage
This technique is similar to Swedish massage
therapies, but it involves firm pressure to loosen
muscles and tissues deep within the body. As
such, circulation is improved to aid in the healing
of the affected joints.
Shiatsu Massage
During this Japanese massage, the fingers,
hands, and palms apply slight pressure to the
affected areas of the body without the deep
kneading seen in other massage therapies.
Aromatherapy
This massage technique involves the use of plant-
based, essential oils, which are rubbed into the
skin and tissue during the massage to promote
increased healing.
Myofascial Release
The therapist massages tightened fascias, which
are tissues that surround all muscles of the body.
In response, the loosened fascia allows for
increased range of motion and mobility.
Although the facts surrounding the best treatment therapies for both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid
Arthritis continue to change each day, you should fully communicate your thoughts and physical responses
to your massage therapist when using massage therapy for treatment. Under no condition, should the
arthritis-relieving massage result in pain or discomfort either during the massage or afterwards. If you’d
like to see how a massage can improve your quality of life and reduce your Arthritis pain, contact Matrix
Spa & Massage in Salt Lake City, Utah for a specialized massage session because growing older
shouldn’t have to hurt.