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| Arthritis is an all too common disease: according to
the Arthritis Society, it affects more than 85% of people
over seventy. However, not all the pain of arthritis is
from joint degeneration, nor do you have to just live
with it. As it is possible to have pain without arthritis,
it is also possible to have arthritis without pain. Often
what we think is arthritic pain is actually muscle or
soft tissue pain. Massage therapy can be very effective
in relieving such discomfort. |
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| When a joint becomes arthritic, it also affects the
surrounding tissues. Muscles that cross the joint will
spasm in an effort to act as a natural splint and protect
the joint. These muscle spasms are often the true source
of what is perceived as arthritic pain. As muscles tighten
and the ligaments surrounding the joint thicken, pressure
is exerted on the joint. This pressure causes decreased
mobility, further increases pain and speeds the rate of
joint degeneration. |
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| Increasing flexibility and mobility will provide pain
relief, and slow the progression of the disease. Massage
therapy can break up damaged tissue and stretch muscles
to reduce the pressure and allow the joint to move more
freely. Massage also improves circulation, which reduces
inflammation and improves tissue health, further slowing
joint deterioration. |
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| Although massage therapy can not repair a fused joint,
it can, even in extreme cases, reduce soft tissue damage
and lessen pain. A 71-year-old man came to our clinic
with such severe arthritic damage to his fingers that
even the simple task of buttoning a shirt was very difficult.
Massage therapy helped to reduce tissue damage around
the finger joints and increase mobility to the point that
he was able to make a fist. His dexterity improved dramatically
— simple tasks became simple again. |
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| Therapeutic massage is very different from relaxing
spa type massage, as the focus is on correcting injured
tissues and making long term changes. When seeking treatment
it is important to ensure that the therapist is registered
with the College of Massage Therapy, that they specialize
in therapeutic treatments and have experience in treating
your type of condition. |
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| While more and more studies show harmful side effects
of long term use of painkillers, muscle relaxants and
anti-inflammatories, massage therapy offers relief without
harmful side effects. |
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| Janice E. McCord is a Registered
Massage Therapist and operates out of Bellesmere Massage
Therapy Clinic in Scarborough 416 431-9791 |
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