The last thing you need is your body and joints staging a revolt, making your busy days more difficult. The pain is one thing, but add in the additional time it takes to do mundane tasks, and it's a recipe for stress. With 54 million adults struggling with arthritis, there has been a lot of research on where to turn for help.

According to Susan Bernstein, the former Vice President of the Arthritis Foundation, massage can reduce arthritis pain and symptoms by improving underlying conditions like sleeplessness and stress. Bernstein notes that massage can lower the body's production of the stress hormone cortisol, and boost production of serotonin, which, in turn, can improve mood. Additionally, massage can lower production of the neurotransmitter substance P, often linked to pain, and improve sleep as a result.

MassageLuXe licensed massage therapists know what methods to use to get pain relief and to reduce your joint stiffness quickly. When you have a flare-up, most of the pain you are experiencing is a result of the muscles and tendons surrounding your joints. Massage can be used as a replacement or in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medication.

Massages That Help With Arthritis

Here are three therapeutic massages that have been proven effective in treating arthritis.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage treatments can be a vital tool in delivering pain relief to rheumatism or degenerative joint disease sufferers as it promotes circulation, relieves aches, and reduces stiffness. Your MassageLuXe licensed massage therapist can apply pressure to your hands, neck, back, and shoulders to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis.

Swedish massage tends to work best for individuals suffering from lack of sleep, general stiffness, or anxiety.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage applies greater pressure and targets deeper layers of muscle; this makes it ideal for sports injuries, as well as chronic conditions. However, while some forms of massage are better suited to addressing joints and top muscle layers, deep tissue massage techniques provide healing benefits to the bodys fascia, which is the tissue that connects your muscles, bones, arteries, and organs. Deep tissue massage utilizes sustained pressure and deep strokes to address specific problem areas. Although often less comfortable than other forms of massage, the ultimate benefit of a deep tissue session is arthritis relief.

While effective, not everyone is suited for deep tissue massage. For instance, those who are new to massage may want to opt for another form of therapy before moving to deep tissue massage.

Hot Stone Massage

The treatment is administered by placing smooth, heated stones to key pressure points along the body. As heat radiates from the stones, the recipient experiences deep relaxation and improved blood circulation, along with arthritis relief.

Hot stone massages have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation.

Finding the Right Massage for You

At MassageLuXe, our licensed massage therapists understand the many forms of arthritis and other related conditions. We also understand there is no cure. Although there is no cure for these conditions, it does not mean you have to suffer through pain, discomfort, and immobility. Our licensed massage therapists will take the time to discuss your specific needs to ensure you are receiving a massage that is relaxing and healing. We believe everyone deserves to feel their best.