Studies have shown that consistent massage – full-body massage in particular – helps alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis and can help significantly improve mobility. This article discusses how massage on Floridian Brand massage chairs can help ease the symptoms associated with Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Arthritis

Arthritis can be so painful that it becomes debilitating. For example, studies have shown that people with arthritis in their hands have, on average, 75% less strength in their hands than those who don’t have the condition.

Now for some good news: A 2011 study found that participants had less pain and greater grip strength following a weekly quality hand message and daily self-message at home. The same study also found that the participants had less anxiety and depression and better-quality sleep.

Massage can relieve stiff muscles, relax tissues, tendons, and ligaments, and make joints more flexible. Too much physical exertion, especially when playing sports, can cause sore muscles, tissue tears, and joint injuries. Massage therapy helps these muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints heal, and it can do the same to muscles and joints irritated by arthritis.

If you have hand or wrist pain, a massage chair with airbags that reach down the arm can provide a great deal of relief. They can allow you to take advantage of the benefits of wrist and arm massage whenever you wish and will enable you to enjoy a regular massage on the rest of your body.

When looking at massage chairs for relief in your arms, wrists, and hands, ensure that the chair you sit in covers those areas with the airbags. Depending on your size, more or less of the area can be covered. Floridian Brand massage chairs, for instance, feature arm and hand airbag compression massages to relieve the discomfort in those areas.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A 2013 study compared moderate pressure with light pressure massage for those with rheumatoid arthritis and focused on the upper limbs. After a month of weekly massage therapy and daily self-massage, the moderate-pressure massage group significantly improved pain, grip strength, and range of motion more than the others. And while the precise inflamed joint is best avoided, massaging the surrounding areas can significantly help relieve pain, stiffness, and swelling overall.

Massage Techniques

There are different techniques of massage used for other concerns, and they can each have their place when addressing arthritis pain. The primary purpose of each of them is typically to relieve pain, reduce stress, boost relaxation, or aid in healing. When it comes to arthritis, several proven massage techniques assist in reducing pain and improving mobility. 

• Swedish Massage – This massage uses long, fluid strokes to stimulate the muscles and tissues. It is the most common and well-known type of massage, and this technique focuses on stroking, gliding, kneading, tapping, and vibration. It can help to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness and improve blood circulation. It is also found in nearly every massage chair.
• Shiatsu – This Japanese massage technique addresses specific areas and relieves pain in different areas of the body. People living with Arthritis can enjoy it because the pressure and strokes differ depending on the amount and type of muscle pain you’re dealing with.
• Lymphatic massage – This type of detox massage targets the excess fluid in the body, which can cause inflammation. It uses light and patterned strokes and can improve your circulation and assist in helping your body drain the fluid it doesn’t need. For arthritis, this technique can remove one of the main culprits of joint pain- excessive fluid. This is replicated in massage chairs as the airbag compression massage found in the arms and calves.

Knowing the benefits of massage for arthritis, you can see how it can be so helpful, and having a Floridian Brand massage chair at home is a convenient way to go when it comes to daily massage. Scheduling, driving, and paying for spa massages can all be too much. With a Floridian Brand massage chair, you can tap into the benefits from the comfort of your home whenever you need it.

When Not to Have a Massage?

• If your arthritis is severe and visibly inflamed, it’s best not to use your massage chair on the affected areas and instead go to your doctor. 
• If you attend other massage therapy sessions that may conflict with self-treatments.
• If your doctor has not approved receiving a massage because of your condition or any other condition that might be present.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence has shown that regular massage can assist in easing pain, improving strength, and decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety. Massage therapy can complement other treatments for arthritis.