There's a large body of research that shows that keeping stress under control can keep these kinds of conditions under control as well. We all know it's all-but-impossible to have a stress-free life. Massage helps you bring the stress back down to a manageable level. In my own work, I've seen it improve balance, improve sleep, reduce soreness, and help people breathe a little more deeply and comfortably.
If you have -- or know -- someone working to live with a long-term condition, here's some of the research to back up my claims:
Research published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice showed that adults with rheumatoid arthritis may feel a decrease in pain, as well as greater grip strength and range of motion in wrists and large upper joints, after receiving regular moderate-pressure massages during a 4-week period. “This research demonstrates the potential value of massage therapy for the estimated 1.3 million Americans living with this chronic condition, with women outnumbering men 2.5 – 1.
Helmick CG., et al. Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2008 January; 58:15-25.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by generalized pain,joint rigidity, intense fatigue, sleep alterations, headache, spastic colon,craniomandibular dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. This study demonstrated that massage myofascial release techniques improved pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Castro-Sánchez, A.M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G.A., Granero-Molina, J., Aguilera-Manrique, G., Quesada-Rubio, J.M., Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011:561753.
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