Massage therapy is analternative treatmentused to relieve pain. There are more than 80 types of massage therapy, in which healthcare providers manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues using varied techniques.
If you are interested in exploring massage therapy as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider.
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About Massage Therapy
Massage therapists mostly use their hands and fingers—although some therapists also use their forearms, elbows, or even their feet—to manipulate the patient’s soft tissues. Soft tissues are those that support and surround body structures and include muscle, fat, tendons, and ligaments. The amount of pressure used and the direction of movement differ among therapists and the area being massaged.
The goal of massage therapy is to relax muscles and other soft tissues, increase the blood and oxygen being delivered to the massaged area, warm the affected area, andrelieve pain.
Some of the best-known types of massage include:
A massage therapy session usually lasts 30–60 minutes, though some sessions may be shorter or longer. Chronic pain patients often are advised to complete a series of sessions.
Depending on the location of the muscles being massaged, you may either be seated for a chair massage or you may be asked to lie on a padded table. Typically, oil or powder is used to allow the therapists' hands to glide over your skin.
Risks Regarding Massage Therapy
Certain precautions must be taken before getting massage therapy. Though there are few serious risks, there are certain individuals who should not get massage therapy.
People with the following conditions are not suitable candidates for massage therapy:
If you are pregnant, have cancer, have fragile skin, heart problems, dermatomyositis (a rare disease causing muscle inflammation and a rash), or a history of physical abuse, discuss massage therapy with your healthcare provider before signing up.
A Word From Verywell
Researchers are still studying the effects of massage therapy on health conditions. It is clear, though, that massage therapy promotes relaxation while reducing stress, which can help with chronic joint issues like osteoarthritis.
Due to the popularity of massage therapy, it is important that you check out the credentials of your massage therapist. Physical therapists also are trained in massage therapy. Know your therapist! Ask questions that will ensure your safety.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ergonomic Trends.20 most common types of massages and their benefits explained.Perlman A, Fogerite SG, Glass O, et al.Efficacy and safety of massage for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized clinical trial.J GEN INTERN MED. 2019;34(3):379-386. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4763-5Medical Massage Therapy Resource & Reference.When not to get a massage: 26 reasons you cannot get a massage.Additional ReadingWalton T.Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Approach. First edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2020.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ergonomic Trends.20 most common types of massages and their benefits explained.Perlman A, Fogerite SG, Glass O, et al.Efficacy and safety of massage for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized clinical trial.J GEN INTERN MED. 2019;34(3):379-386. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4763-5Medical Massage Therapy Resource & Reference.When not to get a massage: 26 reasons you cannot get a massage.Additional ReadingWalton T.Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Approach. First edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2020.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ergonomic Trends.20 most common types of massages and their benefits explained.Perlman A, Fogerite SG, Glass O, et al.Efficacy and safety of massage for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized clinical trial.J GEN INTERN MED. 2019;34(3):379-386. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4763-5Medical Massage Therapy Resource & Reference.When not to get a massage: 26 reasons you cannot get a massage.
Ergonomic Trends.20 most common types of massages and their benefits explained.
Perlman A, Fogerite SG, Glass O, et al.Efficacy and safety of massage for osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized clinical trial.J GEN INTERN MED. 2019;34(3):379-386. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4763-5
Medical Massage Therapy Resource & Reference.When not to get a massage: 26 reasons you cannot get a massage.
Walton T.Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Approach. First edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2020.
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