In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked into some of the major benefits of massage therapy for those who suffer from arthritis. This is a very common condition, but also one that often responds to certain forms of treatment -- and massage therapy is one particular type that's had immense success for a number of patients.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer a wide range of massage therapy, including options like Swedish massage and others that are often ideal for those dealing with arthritis or similar issues. While part one of our series went over why this form of treatment is often so beneficial to arthritis patients, today's part two will look at some of the specific massage techniques that tend to show the most success here.
As we just alluded to above, Swedish massage is one of the most popular forms of massage therapy in general, but it's also very effective for those with arthritis. This type of massage uses long strokes and circular motions to work the muscles, and it can be very helpful in reducing pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Through various similar motions, such as kneading, tapping and even vibrations, Swedish massage can also help to increase blood flow and reduce stress. While this latter benefit might not sound like it would be all that helpful for arthritis specifically, reducing stress has been shown to do wonders for pain management in general -- and that's certainly something worth taking advantage of!
Deep tissue massage is another very popular form of massage, but it's not quite as common as Swedish massage. This is because deep tissue massage is a bit more intense, and it's often not recommended for those who are new to massage in general.
That being said, deep tissue massage can be extremely beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis, as it can help to break up any knots or blockages that might be causing pain. This type of massage is also very effective in reducing inflammation, which is often a major problem for arthritis sufferers.
Known for its ability to target specific pain spots, Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of massage that uses pressure and finger strokes on the body. This type of massage is often used to treat arthritis, as it can be very helpful in reducing pain and stiffness in the joints.
One of the best things about Shiatsu massage is that it can be done without any massage oil, which makes it a great option for those who are sensitive to touch or have allergies.
For more on the quality massage programs that may benefit those with arthritis, or to learn about any of our massage or float therapy services, speak to the team at Body Balance Massage and Float today.