Massage may reduce arthritis pain and stiffness, but it works best alongside other treatments, not instead of them
Massage can help some people with arthritis feel better in the short term. It may ease muscle tension around the joint, improve blood flow to the area, and give temporary relief from pain and stiffness. However, massage does not treat the underlying joint damage that arthritis causes, and it is not a cure. For most people with arthritis, massage works best when combined with other treatments your doctor recommends—such as medication, exercise, or physical therapy.
The type of arthritis you have, which joints are affected, and how severe your symptoms are all affect whether massage will help you. Some people notice real improvement; others see little change. Starting with a licensed massage therapist who has experience with arthritis is safer than trying it on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Massage can reduce pain and stiffness temporarily by relaxing muscles around the affected joint, but it does not repair joint damage.
- Light to moderate pressure works better than deep pressure for most people with arthritis, since aggressive massage can irritate inflamed joints.
- A licensed massage therapist trained in arthritis care is safer than untrained massage, and safer than massaging yourself without guidance.
- Massage works best as part of a full treatment plan that includes medication, exercise, and other therapies your doctor recommends.
- Tell your massage therapist which joints are affected and whether you take blood thinners, since both change how they should work with you.
How massage affects arthritis pain
When you have arthritis, the muscles and tissues around the joint tighten up. This happens partly because the joint hurts, and your body protects it by tensing the surrounding muscles. Massage relaxes those tight muscles, which can reduce the pulling and strain on the joint itself. This often brings temporary relief from pain and stiffness, especially right after the massage.
Massage also increases blood flow to the area being worked on. Better circulation can help reduce inflammation and deliver more oxygen to the tissues, which some people experience as less pain. However, this effect is temporary—the relief usually lasts hours to a day or two, not weeks.
What massage does not do is change the joint itself. If you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joint is worn down, and massage cannot rebuild it. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition is attacking the joint lining, and massage cannot stop that process. Massage treats the symptoms around the joint, not the disease in it.
Which type of massage works best for arthritis
Light to moderate pressure is safer and more effective for arthritis than deep tissue massage. Deep pressure can irritate an already inflamed joint and cause pain to flare up afterward. A good massage therapist for arthritis will use gentle, slow strokes and focus on the muscles surrounding the joint rather than pressing directly on the joint itself.
Swedish massage—long, flowing strokes in the direction of blood flow—is often a good choice for arthritis because it is gentle and relaxing. Some people also benefit from myofascial release, which uses sustained light pressure on tight muscle groups. Hot stone massage or massage combined with heat can feel especially soothing, though you should avoid heat if your joint is actively swollen.
Avoid massage therapists who promise to "break up scar tissue" or use very aggressive techniques on arthritic joints. Ask your therapist about their experience with arthritis before your first appointment, and tell them exactly which joints hurt and how severe the pain is.
When massage may not be safe
Massage is not safe for everyone with arthritis, and certain situations require caution or avoidance. If you take blood thinners such as warfarin or apixaban, deep massage can cause bruising or bleeding into the joint. Tell your massage therapist about any blood thinners you take before they begin.
If your joint is actively inflamed, swollen, or warm to the touch, massage may make it worse. Wait until the acute flare-up calms down before scheduling a massage. If you have an infection in or near the joint, massage is not safe and can spread the infection.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis find that massage triggers a flare-up of symptoms. If this happens to you, stop and tell your doctor. You may need to try a different approach or work with a physical therapist instead of a massage therapist.
How massage fits into arthritis treatment
Massage works best as one part of a larger treatment plan. Most doctors recommend a combination of medication (such as anti-inflammatory drugs), exercise, physical therapy, and sometimes heat or cold therapy. Massage can complement these treatments by helping you relax and reducing muscle tension, but it should not replace them.
If your doctor has prescribed physical therapy, ask the physical therapist whether massage would help alongside the exercises they recommend. Some physical therapists do massage as part of their treatment; others work with a massage therapist. Coordinating between providers ensures you are not working against each other.
For some people, massage is most useful during flare-ups, when pain and stiffness are worst. For others, regular massage every few weeks helps prevent muscles from tightening up. Talk with your doctor and massage therapist about how often massage might help you.
What to expect from a massage appointment
Your first appointment should include a conversation about your arthritis before the massage begins. Tell the therapist which joints are affected, how long you have had arthritis, what medications you take, and what makes your pain better or worse. This information helps them adjust their technique to your needs.
During the massage, speak up if anything hurts or feels uncomfortable. A good therapist will adjust pressure or technique immediately. You should feel relaxed, not in pain. If you feel worse after a massage—more pain, increased swelling, or a flare-up—tell your therapist and your doctor.
A typical massage session lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You may feel relief right away, or it may take a few hours. Some people need several sessions before they notice a difference. If massage is not helping after three or four sessions, it may not be the right treatment for you.
Finding a may have access to massage therapist
Look for a licensed massage therapist in your state—someone who has completed formal training and passed a licensing exam. Licensing requirements vary by state, but a licensed therapist has at least 500 to 1,000 hours of training. You can check whether a therapist is licensed through your state's massage therapy board or licensing agency.
Ask whether the therapist has experience working with arthritis patients. Some therapists specialize in medical massage or therapeutic massage for chronic conditions. A therapist who understands arthritis will know how to adjust pressure, avoid inflamed joints, and work safely with your condition.
Your doctor or physical therapist may be able to recommend a massage therapist they trust. Your insurance may also cover massage if a doctor refers you for a specific condition—check your plan to see whether massage is covered and whether you need a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can massage cure arthritis?
No. Massage can reduce pain and stiffness temporarily, but it cannot repair joint damage or stop the disease process. It works best as part of a full treatment plan that includes medication and exercise.
Is it safe to massage an arthritic joint myself?
Light self-massage of the muscles around the joint can be safe, but avoid pressing directly on the joint or using deep pressure. A trained therapist is safer because they know how much pressure is appropriate and can adjust based on your response.
How often should I get a massage for arthritis?
This varies by person. Some people benefit from weekly or biweekly massage during flare-ups, while others find monthly massage helpful for prevention. Work with your therapist and doctor to find a schedule that helps you without becoming too expensive or time-consuming.
Will massage help if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Massage may help some people with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing muscle tension, but it can trigger flare-ups in others. Start with gentle massage and watch for increased pain or swelling. If massage makes your symptoms worse, stop and talk to your doctor about other options.
What should I do if massage makes my arthritis pain worse?
Stop the massage and tell your therapist what happened. Pain that gets worse after massage may mean the pressure was too deep or the joint was too inflamed. Rest the joint, apply ice if it is swollen, and contact your doctor if the pain does not improve within a day or two.