Easing the Ache: Massage and Holistic Therapies for Arthritis Relief

Arthritis affects over 53 million adults in the U.S., making it one of the most common chronic conditions. Whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form, the joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can deeply impact daily life. At Intention Wellness, my approach blends research-backed massage therapy with other therapeutic services that help reduce inflammation, ease pain, and promote greater ease in your body.

While arthritis has no known cure, complementary care can make a profound difference. Let’s explore what the science says about the role of massage and integrative therapies in managing arthritis symptoms.

The Science Behind Massage for Arthritis

Massage therapy has been shown to provide significant relief from the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. A 2018 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that weekly full-body massage for eight weeks significantly improved pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (Field et al., 2018).

These benefits are linked to several physiological effects of massage, including:

• Increased circulation, which helps nourish joints and tissues

• Reduction of muscle tension around affected joints

• Decreased levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone

• Increased production of serotonin and endorphins, which help modulate pain

Another study published in Pain Medicine found that moderate-pressure massage led to significant improvements in range of motion, sleep quality, and mood in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (Field, 2013).

At Intention Wellness, each session is customized. Whether through Swedish massage for relaxation or myofascial release to reduce fascial restrictions around inflamed joints, your care plan reflects your current symptoms and long-term goals.

Intention Wellness and Infrared Heat for Inflammation

At Intention Wellness, I integrate infrared heat with bodywork to deepen tissue healing and reduce joint stiffness. Infrared therapy has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers and improve joint mobility.

A clinical trial in Clinical Rheumatology found that far-infrared heat therapy applied regularly helped decrease pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without causing adverse effects (Ostojic et al., 2013).

When paired with gentle massage or craniosacral work, infrared therapy enhances relaxation and invites your body’s healing mechanisms to engage more deeply.

Somatic Support and Nervous System Regulation

Chronic pain conditions like arthritis are not just physical; they also affect the nervous system and emotional well-being. Long-standing pain can increase stress, create muscle guarding, and limit body awareness.

Our somatic-based services incorporate:

• Breath-guided movement

• Touch that honors your comfort level

• Nervous system education to support resilience

This trauma-informed approach helps you feel more connected to your body, even when living with chronic discomfort. As a 2020 article in Frontiers in Psychology noted, somatic therapies help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which is closely tied to both pain and inflammation (Meier et al., 2020).

Whole-Person Wellness for Long-Term Relief

At Intention Wellness, I meet you where you are. The goal isn’t just to reduce today’s pain, but to walk alongside you as you build a more comfortable, capable, and empowered relationship with your body.

Whether you're seeking:

• Relief from joint stiffness

• Greater mobility and circulation

• A more compassionate connection with your body

I am here to support you with care grounded in research, experience, and presence.

You don’t have to navigate arthritis alone. Through massage, infrared therapy, and somatic care, there is space for comfort, movement, and hope. Let’s find that space together.

References

1. Field, T., Diego, M., Gonzalez, G., Funk, C., & Kiami, S. (2013). Moderate pressure is essential for massage therapy effects on rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Pain Medicine, 14(6), 893–902. https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12036

2. Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2018). Knee arthritis pain reduced by moderate pressure massage therapy. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(4), 492–497. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836016/

3. Ostojic, S. M., Stojanovic, M. D., & Calleja-Gonzalez, J. (2013). The effect of far-infrared therapy on inflammation and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical Rheumatology, 32(3), 387–391. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23456681/

4. Meier, M. L., Stämpfli, P., Humphreys, B. K., & Seifritz, E. (2020). Somatic awareness and chronic pain: The role of body-focused therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 191. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00191/full