Recently Relax, Unwind & Heal has met many clients whom suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. In addition to massage, we also offer pain treatment in the form of hot and cold compresses to clients whom are afflicted with joint pain. If you have "R.A." or know someone who is suffering from pain associated with this illness we would like to offer simple home remedies to help sedate the pain between sessions.

To give you a brief background on what Rheumatoid Arthritis (commonly known “R.A.”) is, it is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. This is caused by the immune system mistakenly eating away healthy tissue, which causes inflammation that leads to swelling in the joints making them less mobile. If not managed, over time, “R.A.” can cause major joint damage and could even result in irreparable damage, keeping you from doing day-to- day things. Physical and emotional stress are a big factor in this as well.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, more and more doctors are recommending massage to their arthritis patients to help relieve pain and stiffness caused by swelling. Massage also helps to calm down stress levels, which can aggravate symptoms. Working closely with clients whom suffer with "R.A, Relax Unwind & Heal highly recommends heat and/or cold treatments to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain.


COLD COMPRESSES:

Cold compresses reduce joint swelling and inflammation. You can apply a cool compress or ice pack to the affected joint during an RA flare-up to help ease inflammation and pain. Keep in mind you don't want to overdo cold treatments. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes at a time with at least a 30-minute break in between treatments.

1) Fill a bowl with ice, and pour water into it. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. (Add some mint to it if possible)
2) Grab a hand towel and let it soak inside the bowl. Let the towel sit for about 2 minutes.
3) Apply the towel the affected area with the above- mentioned time.


HEAT COMPRESSES:

Heat compresses relax your muscles and stimulate blood flow. To use heat therapy, you can try a moist heating pad or a warm, damp towel or microwavable hot packs. Never make it too hot that your skin burns.

1) In a microwaveable safe bowl, heat water for about a minute or so.
2) Let the water stand for about a minute or so.
3) Dunk the hand towel inside the bowl and using your pinky test out the water, if it stings don’t apply the towel. If it feels warm, gently apply the towel in the affected joint.

You can also use heat therapy by standing in the shower. Letting the warm water hit the painful area on your body may help ease pain. A hot tub is a good way to relax stiff muscles -- and it's enjoyable. (Avoid hot tubs or spas if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or are pregnant.)

Massages in addition to the above treatments are also a great way to reduce pain. Gentle stretching and vibrations can loosen those stiff muscles. Remember, with “RA” your joints are less mobile, which makes your muscles work double time. Massage eases muscles tension and also increases circulation, which removes any debris or toxins that might be surrounding that area. It is not advised, to physically massage the affected joint but light strokes in the surrounding area can be a very pleasurable experience for a person in constant pain.

If you suffer from “RA” or know someone who does and would like further information on how to reduce the pain or to book your session, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or text 786-459-2486.