Find the Right Massage for You

Having a massage from time to time may seem like a guilty pleasure, but there are actual health benefits to this type of indulgence. Regular massage can help reduce pain and stiffness, relieve anxiety, improve range of motion in your joints, and promote a more restful sleep.

Here’s a brief overview of some common types of massage therapy.

• Swedish Massage – Involves long, fluid stroking of muscles and tissues, and is meant to reduce soreness and stiffness in muscles and joints, to reduce anxiety and to improve circulation. Therapists may adjust pressure according to your sensitivity and typically use oil or lotion.

• Deep Tissue Massage – Focuses on manipulation of both top and deeper layers of muscles and tissues, often requiring intense, focused pressure by the therapist. Deep tissue massage may cause lingering soreness, so it might be inappropriate for some people with arthritis.

• Hot Stone Massage – Involves placing smooth, heated stones on your back as you lie on your stomach. The hot stones send soothing heat to the muscles and tissues, releasing tension and promoting relaxation.  Some therapists may use both hot and cold stones for contrast or for different healing purposes.

• Myofascial Release – Helps relieve pain by manipulating the fascia, connective tissues that surround muscles, blood vessels and nerves. During myofascial release, a therapist stretches and releases those connective tissues by gently rolling the skin back and forth on the back, legs and other areas of the body.  Usually, no oils, lotions or massage tools are used.

• Reflexology – An alternative Asian healing practice based on a belief that pressure on particular areas of the hands and feet will spur healing in other parts of the body. For example, pressing on the person’s big toe is believed to heal pain or injuries in the brain. Reflexology is meant to promote not only pain relief or healing, but also to reduce stress and anxiety.

• Self-Massage – Involves kneading your own sore joints, pressure points or muscles using your hands, knuckles, elbows or massage tools. Massage tools may be mechanized to offer heat or vibration, or you can create your own aids with household objects like tennis balls, says Dr. Field. Massaging hard-to-reach areas like your back may be difficult, but self-massage works well for sore feet, knees, calves, hands, neck or arms.

NOTE: Be sure to tell your massage therapist that you have arthritis, and point out particular joints that are affected, prior to your session. Before getting any type of massage, consult your doctor to make sure massage is safe for your arthritis and any other health conditions you may have.