Massage for Osteoarthritis
Question:
My wife (age 70) has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and there is bone rubbing bone and nerve involvement. The location is the 5th through 8th vertebrae in her neck. She has exhausted the Medicare allotment that we have been granted, and we can not afford the cost of therapy; however the massage therapy she was receiving was relieving her of the pain.
Im wondering if there's a way that I be trained in basic massage techniques so that I can provide her with relief without causing further damage. I know that when I lightly rub her back it does make her feel good, but any slight touch to the neck area causes her sharp pain and an extreme headache, which may last for hours and deprive her of much needed sleep. As I understand it, she may never be completely free of pain, but my hope is to lessen it to a point so her use of dangerous painkillers is kept to a minimum.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
- Al
Answer:
Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease, is characterized by the deterioration of the cartilage in the joints. The symptoms include pain and loss of function in the affected joint(s). The condition primarily affects weight-bearing joints - such as the hips, knees, back, feet and the joints in the fingers and hands. Osteoarthritis affects the movable synovial joints. In these joints, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage; which is a durable substance that allows the bones to glide over each other with minimal friction and also absorbs force applied to the joints. Synovial fluid carries nutrients to the cartilage, in turn preventing the cartilage from becoming dry and brittle and keeping its surface lubricated so the joints can work smoothly. This synovial fluid nourishes the cartilage and its encouraged by movement in the joints. Thus, a decrease in movement can decrease lubrication. Movement can be very important for these types of joints. As the disease progresses, crevices and bone spurs called osteophytes may develop within the affected joint(s), increasing pain and decreasing mobility.
I would definitely recommend doing some research on local massage therapy courses or even look for one day workshops offered in your area. Some massage schools and licensed massage therapists offer general courses to the public on how to massage and basic techniques. They usually cover just the basics, which should be adequate in your wifes case. Some courses also include some of the contra-indications to certain conditions the topic of osteoarthritis is extremely popular. Additionally, if the condition has progressed and a spur has developed, caution should be taken over that area.
Taking an informative massage course from a trained professional can definitely help you develop massage techniques and confidence when using them; which in turn, can help to give your wife some added pain relief. Remember, if you are more confident with your hands and your intent, you may help more than you anticipate. The use of different forms of hydrotherapy may also be a good combination with the massage. Please, try browsing through the links in our Message Technique section to find one youre interested in. Then look for courses and workshops offered on that technique in your area.
Good Luck!
Karin
