Massage Therapy Provides Pain Relief From Osteoarthritis

One of the many pitfalls of aging is that our bodies become physically less able to keep up with the hectic pace of our daily lives. The result: arthritis. Unfortunately, arthritis has seemingly become an almost unavoidable part of the aging process, with osteoarthritis being the most common form of this condition. This loss of joint cartilage can be quite painful and may even limit the amount of physical activity you're able to do each day.

Just as we can't stop the aging process, once cartilage deterioration begins, there's little we can do to slow its progression. This makes prevention of utmost importance. Many of the treatment methods used for osteoarthritis are also preventive measures. The most obvious method, and perhaps most beneficial, is weight loss. Simply put, the less weight your body has to carry, the less stress placed on your joints.

Unfortunately, Western medicine's primary solution for the pain of osteoarthritis is through the use of pharmaceuticals, a method proving to be less popular among the American public. More people are cutting back on the number of prescription medications they take, for reasons that vary from their undesirable side effects to simple ineffectiveness. Massage therapists who recognize this trend toward alternative therapies are in a prime position to help those suffering from this condition.

Restoring cartilage back to its original, healthy form would be ideal, but is a feat the medical community has yet to acco

plish. Massage therapy is the perfect fit for arthritic clients because of its reputation for improving blood circulation in the body, which increases joint mobility and flexibility, two of the most common limitations for someone with osteoarthritis.

Interested in helping those with osteoarthritis find relief from the often-debilitating pain? To learn more about which modalities are most beneficial for this type of relief, click here.

The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies offers 35+ affordable and convenient home study CE programs. The Institute is approved by the NCBTMB as a CE Approved Provider and by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Credits also accepted by the AMTA, ABMP and most state boards. Call us today at 800-364-5722 or visit HomeStudyCredits.org.