Massage is one of the remedies used to control the pain and discomfort attributed with gout. Gout is a delicate form of arthritis. People with this condition might experience swelling and redness. This is why a massage therapist should understand a few things before handling a patient with gout. Gout is attributed to uric acid building up around the joint for long. Anyone can get this condition, depending on your lifestyle and your family history.
- Frequently consuming meals with high urate levels is highly likely to trigger gout. Seafood is one of the meals that contain high urate levels.
- People who have been struggling with obesity have a high chance of developing gout,
- Long term consumption of some prescribed medicines has been linked with an increase in urate levels in the body.
- Heavy consumption of alcohol increases the chances of some people developing gout.
- Kidney problems can be the cause of developing gout.
- Advanced age has for long been linked with increasing the chances of a person developing gout.
Symptoms of Gout
- Joint pain is one of the symptoms everyone complains about whenever they contract gout. The pain is caused by the crystals, which form around the joints.
- Redness around the affected joints is another symptom massage therapists should be on the lookout for.
- Some people might experience itchiness around the infected region. This occurs when gout has gone untreated for long.
- The affected joint regions will swell, depending on the size of the uric acid crystals that form inside the body.
Massages Therapists can use for Gout
- Classic Swedish massage
- Shiatsu massage
- Physio-style massage
Classic Swedish massage
- A therapist should start off with smooth strokes when performing the classic Swedish massage on the affected joints. During this stage, the massage therapist will gently spread oil on your joints to bring in a soothing effect when the initial massage starts.
- Medium pressure can be applied once the massage oil has been applied on the affected joints. This helps reach the crystal causing gout and start offering relief. Palm pressure or kneading technique can be used for medium pressure.
Some people who experience skin tightening as a symptom of gout can greatly benefit from this form of massage.
Shiatsu massage
- This massage starts off by understanding the joints affected by gout. Afterwards, massage oil will be applied on the targeted regions and gently spread. This is the stage when the massage therapist will be able to evaluate the kind of discomfort the person being massaged is experiencing.
- Fingers and thumps will be used to steadily apply the medium pressure. The crystals forming gout will be targeted at this stage. Shiatsu massage increases blood flow circulation, making it easier to flash out the uric acid crystals from the body. The tension and the discomfort on the joints caused by gout are also relieved in most cases by this Japanese massage.
Apart from relieving gout symptoms, this massage improves an individual’s sleeping pattern and replenishes energy levels.
Physio-style massage
This massage helps treat gout by massaging the point releases, located on the affected joints. During this time, the blood flow increases, speeding up the excretion process of the uric acid crystals, which cause gout. The massage process is gentle as oil has been applied on the targeted regions.
The physio-style massage can be tailored to meet an individual’s needs depending on the intensity of the gout and the pain. This massage also improves joint mobility after recovery. The rejuvenating feeling from this massage is one of the reasons you should try out this massage.
Gout is a very uncomfortable condition that can make someone uncomfortable. Massage should be combined with a healthy diet and taking prescribed medication. It is important for a massage therapist to encourage their clients to seek medical treatment in situations when there is no improvement with the condition. Massage can help relieve gout, but it depends on how long someone has been struggling with this condition. Intense stages present delicate symptoms which cannot be relieved by massage. Understanding the symptoms of this condition might be the gateway for a massage therapist to know how to handle a specific client suffering from gout. A healthy lifestyle and regular massage are some ways of reduces the chances of contracting gout.
