♪ soothing music ♪
[Living with Arthritis]
[male narrator]
When your muscles are tight,
a massage can really hit the spot,
but a rub down isn't just good for a sore back or neck.
It can also be good therapy for arthritis.
Studies have found that regular massages
can relieve pain and stiffness,
improve hand grip strength,
and keep joints flexible so you can stay more active.
Massage is thought to work by
blocking pain signals to the brain.
It may also boost brain chemicals that improve mood
and reduce levels of hormones linked to stress.
No single type of massage is best for people with arthritis.
Different techniques can be affective.
For example, there is Swedish massage,
which uses long fluid strokes to stimulate
blood flow and ease sore muscles,
deep tissue massage, which gets down
into the muscle and connective tissue to relieve tension,
and trigger point massage, which applies pressure
on one tight spot that causes pain in other parts of the body.
A touch that's moderate, but not too hard is best.
You want pressure applied to muscles without damaging joints.
Make sure your therapist is licensed in your state
and ask about their certification, education, and experience.
Also check that the therapist is trained
in the technique you want to have.
A relaxing massage can make you drift off to sleep,
but try to stay awake so you can tell
your therapist how you're feeling.
Let them know when you need more pressure,
and if something hurts, speak up.
Remember that massages should never replace
therapies your doctor has prescribed.
Use them in addition to, not instead of, your regular treatment.
Also, talk to your doctor to make sure
it's safe for you to get a massage.
If so, it may be just what the doctor ordered.
Not only to make your joints feel better,
[woman contentedly sighing]
but also to give you a relaxing escape from your day.
♪ relaxing music rises and then fades away ♪
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