A Message from Massage Therapist Narelle:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that effects joints.
The immune system tries to destroy the healthy tissues for no known cause. It attacks the lining of the joints causing inflamed, swollen and painful joints. Rheumatoid arthritis effects other areas of the body not just the joints. Three times as many women are
Three times as many women are effected by Rheumatoid arthritis than men. The condition is chronic and progresses over time where you can have flares or times of remission.
Morning joint stiffness is common and can last 1-2 hours and can effect range of motion causing stiffness problems with buttoning up a shirt or opening a jar.
Smaller joints such as the hands and wrists are affected first then larger joints such as hips, knees and shoulders.
Massage can Help
Massage can help using only moderate pressure. A relaxing massage can assist with the stress and tension of suffering constant pain during flares.
Massage aims to sooth the joints and muscles and ease anxiety. Regular massage once a week helps to ease the pain and stiffness, assisting with range of motion and hand grip strength.
