Pain Reducer for Arthritis Sufferers

Massage Therapy

It’s important to remember that massage therapy can reduce pain for arthritis sufferers, but it cannot cure it.  Massage increases endorphins and circulation which decreases pain and reduces swelling caused by arthritis.  To get the best results, you will have to visit a massage therapist on a weekly basis.  You may not feel results after the first session, but after several sessions the pain is likely to decrease.  You should tell your massage therapist about your existing condition and explain that you want a gentle massage on the existing area.  It is important to avoid a massage therapy session when your hands are extremely inflamed as it could worsen the condition. 

Massage therapy is a non-invasive safe alternative to pain medications for the treatment of arthritis.  Any pain caused by a massage usually occurs if the techniques were performed to hard.  If there is pain during the massage, you should tell the therapist so they can stop massaging the joint.  Any muscles or joints that are swollen should not be massaged.  Possible side effects may include temporary pain, bruising, swelling, or an allergy to massage oils. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is said to decrease pain by releasing endorphins, a chemical in the body that blocks pain. Acupuncture treatment works by stimulating the muscles.  Once the muscles are stimulated, they send a message to the central nervous system causing an increase endorphin production.  Once there is an increase in endorphins, the body begins blocking pain from occurring.  This treatment is defiantly not a cure-all, but it will help treat chronic pain in the back, muscles, face.  Along with arthritis, it also treats conditions such as headaches, menstrual cramps, pain from shingles, and obesity.  This treatment can also improve the immune system. 

Needles will be inserted into different acupuncture points in the body.  The number of needles and the depth of the needles depend on the condition.  Needles will stay in the same place for several minutes to an hour.  During treatment, the physician will twirl the needles or warm them to intensify the session.  Sometimes the doctor will apply electricity which produces a tingling sensation.  If the sensation becomes painful, ask the acupuncturist to reduce the amount of electricity.  In a series of acupuncture treatment, the doctor will use different techniques to help stimulate new areas of healing.  As treatment progresses, the specialist will decide what is best for the patient.