Massage Basics
Massage Therapy may be one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care. It has been practiced in Eastern cultures continually since ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians painted scenes of people being massaged in their tombs and the Chinese have books dating back to 2,700 BC that recommend breathing exercises and massage as treatments for chills and fevers.
Massage therapy, uses the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. This can include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibrations, rocking, frictions, kneading and compression through the use of mostly hands, forearms and elbows. Therapists also use stretching and joint movements to help increase range of motion.
Tai Chi And Arthritis Pain
The pain of arthritis is caused by the inflammation of the joints, and in some cases by the drying of synovial fluids which cause the joint to literally rub bone on bone with minimal fluid to lubricate it. There is considerable pain involved in the more advanced cases, and often in the beginning stages as well. Additionally the joints will become stiffened and the range of motion is significantly reduced. There is a significant myth regarding arthritis, which is that it is a disease of the elderly; however many very youthful people have the disease as well. The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation estimates that nearly 300, 000 children have arthritis in the United States.