Massage helps people with rheumatoid arthritis

 People with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from massage therapy, says a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

A total of 42 adults with upper limb joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis were split into two groups. One group had moderate pressure massages once a week for four weeks on the affected arm and received learned how to self-massage. The other group were given light pressure massages and learned how to self-massage.

Those who received moderate pressure massages experienced less pain, greater perceived grip strength and more motion in their shoulders, elbows and wrists than those given light massages.

“As patients with rheumatoid arthritis work with their doctors to determine the best treatment option, we recommend discussing routine massage therapy given the positive effects found in our study,” says lead researcher Dr Tiffany Field.

Until now there has been little evidence that massage can help people with rheumatoid arthritis, so this study will lead to more research involving more people.

 “In addition to physical activity such as yoga, moderate pressure massage therapy along with self-massage techniques can help manage the pain and stress that occurs from various forms of arthritis,” suggests Dr Field.