rheumatoid arthritis and massage help?

[bdjthffw]

hi everyone!

Could anybody offer advice as to how to go about massage on someone with rheumatoid arthritis?

I am aware that it is a potential contraindication due to the systemic nature of the illness and have asked my client to seek approval from her GP prior to massage - informed consent signature etc, but any further advice on the practical side would be much appreciated.

I presume I will need to establish the extent of inflammation on the day and avoid those areas? Is it ok to continue with the routine but on a more gentle level or should I be aware of other techniques / things to avoid?

I don't want to deny this lady a massage as I'm sure she will benefit immensely on a psychological level too.

Thanks in advance to those able to help,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[PeagmaBam]

Hi holistic bliss

You still need to treat the affected areas and get them to flush out also the joints need mobilising as much as possible to keep them working.

Massage is very good for all of the many different types of arthritis, the treatments are often uncomfortable but the increase in mobility and reduction of pain after the treatment more than justifies any discomfort encountered during the treatment.

 

[White House Watching]

Hi Holistic bliss

My mum has rheumatoid arthritis and I still massage her. Her main problem is around her knees and because she is in pain when she walks, she adapts the way she walks and so the muscles in her legs get extrmely tight. When massaging it can sometimes be a little tender. However after the massage she is sometimes aching quite alot in the areas that have been massaged and this normally takes about 3 days to ease off, so I tend to massage her about every couple of weeks.

My mum does however feel so much better after the 3 days of feeling worse!

Calmspirits

 

[HarryPY]

Hi Paul, Hi Calmspirits

thank you both so much for the advice - you have helped put my mind at ease and given me food for thought.

It sounds as though you really help to ease things for your Mum Calmspirits, it must be great for you to know you can actually do something to alleviate it for her.

Thanks again to you both

love HB x