Posts Tagged ‘osteoarthritis’

Are there Different Types of Arthritis?

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

The prefix “arth” refers to joints and ‘itis’ refers to inflammation.  The term “arthritis” is a generic term meaning painful joints.  Are there different types of this condition? – true and false.

Although different types are common in adults who reach that ‘certain age’ it also affects children still in diapers and young people in the prime of their lives.  Over 100 different types  range from the relatively mild cases of tendonitis or bursitis to crippling systemic forms such as rheumatoid or Lupus. (more…)

Events that Trigger Osteoarthritis

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Although osteoarthritis usually accompanies old age, researchers have found that cartilage in the joint becomes chemically different than a joint that does not have the disease.

Researchers have also found that there are usually a series of events which lead to the development of the condition and that, while it is often associated with old age, that association isn’t enough to trigger osteoarthritis.

These particular events involve both the use and breakdown of the cartilage as well as the production and maintenance in the joints.  The joints which are affected are usually the larger weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.  These provide the majority of the cushion when we are doing any weight-bearing exercise such as walking or running.

Athletes who perform repetitive motion exercises, such as rowing or tennis, will find that osteoarthritis can also develop in the elbow and shoulder areas. (more…)

Decrease your pain with deep tissue massage

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

If you suffer from chronic tension, joint and/or deep tissue pain in areas of your body such as your neck, low back or shoulders,  deep tissue massage could be especially helpful for you. Massage has been giving individuals medical and health benefits for years.  At this time, over 30 different types of massage have been identified, having been used for the last 3000 years.  Deep tissue massage is one of those therapies that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

Deep tissue massage uses some of the same motions and techniques as Swedish massage but the pressure will generally be more intense.  Deep tissue massage is a more focused type of therapy as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots, also known as adhesions.

Deep tissue massage should be done by a therapist who has been specially trained in the technique.  Although it does not hurt,  it is likely to be more uncomfortable than a classic  Swedish massage.  Using these deeper techniques for massage can help to break up and eliminate scar tissue and is usually focused on more specific areas of the body than an overall body massage.  Although there may be some soreness during or after the massage the participant should feel better than ever within a day or two. (more…)