The search for safe and effective relief from osteoarthritis (OA), a
condition that occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time, can
feel like an uphill battle. Vioxx, the drug once widely touted as the
answer to OA pain relief, was pulled from the market after studies
showed a drastic increase in heart attack and stroke risk among people
using it. Many of the 20 million Americans suffering from OA, were left
looking for alternatives--only to learn in a study published by the
Arthritis Research Council (ARC) earlier this year that almost all of
the natural OA remedies are ineffective. It may sound like enough to make you lose hope, but there is in fact a silver lining: Certain natural remedies can bring lasting relief from OA according to the ARC study and other experts. The answer is...
one massage, and call me in the morning. Spa-lovers with osteoarthritis will be pleased to learn that all those massages that leave you feeling loose and limber are doing more than just helping you relax. According to a 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Swedish massage improves flexibility, decreases pain, and increases range of motion in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. In the study, 68 participants ages 35 and over with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned either to receive massage therapy immediately or to receive massage after an eight-week delay. Members of the first group received a one-hour Swedish massage twice a week for four weeks, and then once a week for the next four weeks. After eight weeks of massage, patients' pain, stiffness, and functional ability were all significantly improved compared to the group that did not receive massage. What's more, even when reassessed eight weeks after finishing massage intervention, the benefits persisted, though to a somewhat lesser degree.
Looking for more natural remedies to fight inflammation? Be sure to check out our suggestions, here.
