Independent article submission by Liz Thomson, Health & Content Specialist

Spa therapy is a wellness treatment that includes various massage techniques. It gained popularity after World War II in Europe and the United States for getting relief from torment and wounds. People often relate to massage and spa as a luxury service, but it offers more than just relaxation and pampering sessions. It has some incredible benefits that help heal your body, relieving body aches, and increasing productivity. One such use of spa therapy is its ability to reduce arthritis symptoms. 

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints that cause stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and joint pain. There are many treatments for arthritis, like surgery and medications, but spa therapy can be one easy way to get relief from joint stiffness. It involves pressurized hand movements, along with some essential oil. 

Here are a few spa therapies that can help reduce arthritis symptoms.

1. Swedish

This is a popular massage type most suitable to loosen muscle knots and any stress in the joints. Swedish massage helps relax your mind and reduce anxiety. The masseur uses long, kneading strokes in the heart's direction, known as petrissage stroke, that focuses on the underlying muscles. It is mostly done without any lubricant for a better grip and kneading of the muscles. 

 The pressure applied can be painful for some, so you can ask the practitioner to reduce the pressure as per your pain threshold. An effective petrissage massage helps relieve muscle tension, increase blood circulation, and enhance movement range. 

 For a smooth massage, therapists also use oil or lotion along with the hand movements. You can ask for a massage using CBD-infused oil, an excellent oil known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Getting a spa therapy using CBD oil will help decompress your muscle, increase blood circulation, and flexibility. Thus, getting 40 mins of a Swedish massage can bring you relief from arthritis. You should make sure that your CBD oil is of supreme quality procured through a licensed, trusted canadian weed dispensary. 

 2. Shiatsu

 This is a famous Japanese style of stroking that concentrates on the whole body but specifically on the body regions that need attention. A shiatsu massage assists in diminishing muscle tightness and elevates the mind and body relaxation. The massagist applies regular or pulsing force using their palms and fingers. 

 Shiatsu practitioners believe that shiatsu massage helps balance qi's flow (the life force in every human). A typical shiatsu massage lasts for 60 to 90 minutes, and you can keep your clothes on as no oil is required.

3. Lymphatic massage

Proper lymph flow is vital in maintaining good health. Lymphatic massage can help deal with conditions like arthritis, orthopedic injuries, knee or hip surgery, and systemic sclerosis by focusing on lymph flow. Fitness enthusiasts sometimes use this spa therapy as a post-exercise recovery treatment. 

 Scientific studies show incredible benefits of lymphatic massage in reducing swelling, fatigue, lymphedema, and increasing blood circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Therapists apply gentle patterned strokes along with essential oils like citrus or geranium oil, which acts as lymphatic stimulants. This massage helps release the excess fluid from the inflammatory process occurring in the body. Thus, arthritic patients can find relief in their joint and muscle pain after a lymphatic massage session.

  4. Reiki

 Reiki therapy is a kind of acupuncture therapy based on the theory of the flow of life energy in every person. Any disruption in the flow can lead to pain and health concerns. Reiki therapy boosts vitality by controlling the proper flow of energy in the body. 

Therapists use light hand touch on your body, which stimulates the healing process. During this massage therapy, you need to lie down comfortably, and the practitioner guides your energy to the specific joints using certain hand positions. A Reiki session lasts typically between 60 and 90 minutes.

5. Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy helps enhance the emotional wellbeing of a person. This spa therapy might not cure arthritis but helps reduce the pain level. The different scents used during aromatherapy stimulates the smell receptors in the nose, activating the nervous system. It also releases the feel-good hormone called dopamine, which controls the emotions.

 Essential oils play an important role in aromatherapy. They are used as scent and also mixed with lotions to apply during the massage. You can try aromatherapy using the lavender essential oil, which has a very soothing and relaxing scent. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that enhance overall relaxation. 

Aromatherapy is very efficient in overcoming anxiety, easing muscle tension, and discomfort. The massager will apply gentle pressure while massaging an essential oil onto your skin. While undergoing a massage, you will also be inhaling essential oils through a diffuser that gets absorbed into the skin. A full-body aromatherapy spa will relieve the muscle tension of the entire body. You can still ask the therapist to focus on problematic areas like the back, shoulders, and joints. A good aromatherapy massage lasts for 60 to 90 mins.

Conclusion:

 These are the different spa therapies that a person with arthritis can go for. A therapy best suited for you will depend on the degree of pain and the area that required treatment. Based on your problematic region, a therapist will recommend the right arthritis massage for you.

 Always indulge in spa therapy at a reputed massage center with qualified practitioners. Most people get relief from a massage. However, along with your massage therapy, continue to follow the instructions given by your physiotherapist for better results.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/massages-for-arthritis-pain/

https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/arthritis-natural-relief