Editor’s Note: This story is Part 2 of a 2-part series on supplementary treatments for arthritis. Part 1 covers Pilates and dry needling.

If you’re dealing with the stiff, painful joints that come with arthritis, you might want to consider massage.

“Massage can be a great complement to a patient’s treatment plan,” said Kat O’Leary, a licensed massage therapist with UCHealth Integrative Medicine Clinic in Steamboat Springs. “You always want to consult your provider first, but alongside prescribed treatment, massage generally is great at reducing chronic pain, improving range of motion and decreasing joint stiffness.”

Arthritis is a broad term for a range of conditions that affect joint mobility. The most common types are rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system attacks the joints, resulting in inflammation and damaging tissues, and also osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones breaks down.

Arthritis can result in inflammation, swelling and tension in joints, as well as decreased mobility and strength.

Massage can help address these symptoms by helping to increase mobility, decrease pain and promote healing.

For instance, by gently breaking adhesions in the connective tissue, massage can increase flexibility and improve motion, which results in more blood flow to the area.

“When more blood flow is being circulated into the muscles, they can heal better and faster. With poor circulation, healing is a little slower,” O’Leary said. “Some ligaments and tendons have less blood flow so take longer to heal, but massage can help stimulate that process. Easing adhesions also helps muscles get back to firing and working well.”

Targeting surrounding muscles with massage can provide benefits without directly working on joints that are damaged or have flared up. By releasing tension in surrounding muscles, the entire area can function better.

“When you’re experiencing something chronic like arthritis, muscles surrounding the affected areas start compensating and working harder,” O’Leary said. “By relaxing the surrounding muscles, massage can help ease that tension and enhance your range of motion and joint function.”

Massage may also help reduce stress overall, which can have widespread benefits.

“There’s stress that comes along with chronic pain, when your body isn’t working how you want it to,” O’Leary said. “Chronic pain can also disrupt sleep, but the improved relaxation from massage can lead to better sleep quality.”

O’Leary uses gentle techniques with light to moderate pressure when working with patients with arthritis. It’s important for patients to communicate with their massage therapists if they experience discomfort, so the therapist can make adjustments.

“We want to target and stimulate the nerve receptors that reduce pain signals to the brain, but we’re looking more for improved circulation and decreased inflammation,” O’Leary said.

Research has shown various benefits from massage for people with arthritis. For instance, one study showed patients with knee osteoarthritis experienced improvements in pain and mobility after weekly massages over two months, while another study showed regular massage reduced pain and anxiety, and improved grip strength for adults suffering with hand or wrist arthritis. 

“Often, patients just give a sigh of relief. Finding something that can help them feel good and experience reduced pain in the moment is really impactful,” O’Leary said. “People who come regularly will say it helps them manage day to day.”

O’Leary recommends starting with a few sessions that are a week or two apart, then aiming for a monthly maintenance session as the tissue becomes more pliable. Always check with your healthcare provider first to ensure massage is a good option for you.

“It’s nice to know there are more tools to layer in to help patients feel better,” O’Leary said.

Susan Cunningham writes for UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. She can be reached at cunninghamsbc@gmail.com.