If you’re dealing with arthritis pain in your hands, you may have heard that massage is one way to help manage the discomfort. Massage can be a great way to relax tense muscles and joints, and it can also help improve circulation and release endorphins that act as natural painkillers. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to massage arthritis hands.
Is It Ok To Massage Arthritic Joints?
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects your joints. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is caused by wear and tear on the joints due to age or activity level; RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks healthy cells in the joint.
Benefits of Massage for Arthritic Joints
Massage can offer many benefits for people with arthritis, including:
- Improved flexibility and range of motion in affected joints
- Reduced inflammation around the joint
- Decreased muscle spasms and pain throughout the body
- Improved circulation to affected areas and enhanced sleep quality.
In addition, massage can help release endorphins—the “feel good” hormones that help combat depression and anxiety often associated with chronic pain conditions like arthritis.
Also Read: Can Hand Massage Help Arthritis?
Things to Consider Before Massaging Arthritic Joints
Massage therapy is a great way to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritic joints. It can also help improve the range of motion and mobility and reduce stress. However, there are some things you should consider before massaging arthritic joints. Here’s what you need to know.
Consult Your Doctor First
Before you start massaging your arthritic joints, you must consult with your doctor first. Not all types of massage are safe for people with arthritis, and your doctor can help determine which kind of massage is best for you. Additionally, if the arthritis is severe enough, it may be best to avoid massage altogether.
Choose the Right Type of Massage
If your doctor gives the go-ahead for massage therapy, it’s time to consider which type of massage is best for you. Generally speaking, Swedish massage is a good option for those with arthritis because it incorporates long strokes and gentle pressure that won’t overly strain the affected joint or muscles surrounding it.
Deep tissue massages can also be beneficial if done correctly but should generally be avoided if the joint area is too inflamed or painful. If you are still deciding which type of massage to choose, speak with your doctor or a certified masseuse specializing in working with those suffering from arthritis.
Find a Qualified Therapist
When searching for a massage therapist, it’s essential that they have experience working with individuals with arthritis in particular. They should understand how to apply pressure while avoiding further aggravating the affected area.
A qualified therapist will understand how to focus on relieving tension without applying too much stress on the joint itself. Ask friends and family members for referrals or do an online search to find reviews of nearby therapists specializing in this area – it could make all the difference!
Also Read: Why Should You Buy A Hand Massager For Arthritis?
How To Massage Arthritis Hands | Step By Step Procedure
Step 1 – Apply Lotion or Oil: Before you start the massage, apply some lotion or oil to your hands. This will help your hands move smoothly over your skin while massaging and make it easier to hold onto the hand while massaging. You can use any lotion or oil you like—just make sure it’s not too greasy or sticky.
Step 2 – Start From The Shoulder: Begin this massage by rubbing your shoulders and working toward the wrists in circular motions. This can help relax and loosen up the muscles in the neck and shoulders, which are often tight when dealing with arthritis pain in the hands.
Step 3 – Concentrate On The Fingers And Thumbs: Once you’ve worked your way down from the shoulder area, concentrate on massaging each finger individually, starting from the base of each finger near the palm of your hand.
Use gentle pressure as you work each finger from side to side in a kneading motion before moving on to the next. Repeat this process for all five fingers, making sure also to spend time massaging around each thumb joint.
Step 4 – Finish With A Light Stroking Motion: End this massage by lightly stroking each finger and thumb with light pressure before moving on to other areas, such as arms or legs, if desired.
Also Read: Are Hand Massage Good For Arthritis?
Bottom Line:
Now you Know how to massage arthritis hands. Massage is a great way to reduce tension and manage arthritis pain in your hands.
Still, it’s important to remember that it should never be painful—if you feel any discomfort during this process, stop immediately and seek medical advice if necessary.
By following these steps every day (or even just once a week), you should quickly start noticing some improvement in your flexibility and overall comfort levels! Happy massaging!