Everything that a massage therapist needs to know about a client with Uric Acid

Uric acid is a waste that should be expelled from the body. Purines from the body are broken down into uric acid. This substance is naturally found in the body. It is also found in different meals we consume. The body excretes excess uric acid to avoid different health conditions. Having high or low uric acid is linked to numerous conditions.

Massage therapists should have in-depth knowledge about uric acid. It will put them in a better position to deal with their clients with high or low uric acid levels.

Normally, excess uric acid is channelled to the kidney where it is expelled as urine. However, there are instances when the levels get high, posing risk to some health conditions. In some cases, abnormal uric acid might go unnoticed as there are no visible symptoms. Massage therapists should encourage their clients to consult their doctor if symptoms of high uric acid start being visible in the body. Let’s start off by exploring the different ways in which uric acid can build up in the body: 

• Consuming meals with high purine levels, which are later broken down to uric acid can increase the uric levels in the body. 

• Kidney health related conditions may increase the body’s uric acid levels. Kidney plays a pivotal role in the excretion of waste toxins from the body, and can cause waste to build up in the body if the kidney isn’t perfectly functioning. 

• Excessive alcohol consumption can affect the rate at which uric acid is excreted from the body. The kidney prioritizes alcohol waste excretion when over purine. This can make uric acid build up. 

• Certain prescribed medicines contain high uric acid and long-term consumption can change the uric acid levels in the body. 

• Obesity has for a long time been linked with the increment of uric acid levels. 

There are two main health conditions linked with high uric acid levels. The intensity of these conditions depends on the uric acid levels. These conditions are: 

1. Gout 
2. Kidney stones 

Gout 

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joint. In this condition, the high uric acid form crystals that settle down around the joints. When these crystals form, it results to a lot of pain and discomfort. The symptoms individuals experience with this condition depend on the size of the crystals formed around the joints. Some known symptoms people with gout experience include: 

• Inflammation and redness is one of the first symptoms to appear when you contract gout. 

• Everyone with gout must experience pain around the affected joints. The pain level depends on the size of the urate crystals formed around the joints. 

• Some people experience stiffness around the joints. 

• There are instances when an individual is unable to move the affected joints. 

• Itchiness around the affected joints is another symptom people will experience if gout has gone long without seeking treatment. 

Kidney stones 

This medical condition is caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in the kidney. Small uric acid crystals can be expelled from the body through urine. However, this might be cumbersome for huge uric acid crystal particles. This might block the urinary track. Some known symptoms linked to kidney stones include: 

• Some people with kidney stones might notice blood in the urine. 

• Pain is one of the first symptoms people with this condition experience. The pain is caused by the huge uric acid crystals that make it hard to pass urine through the urinary tract. 

• Frequent urge to urinate is another symptom people with kidney conditions experience. 

• Some people might experience discomfort in the groin or the lower back. 

• A foul smell might be noticed when urinating. 

• Nausea might be experienced by some people. 

As seen above, high uric acid levels can lead into serious conditions, some of which require surgery. There are proven ways to control the uric acid levels in the body and make them normal. They include:

• Controlling your diet is one of the ways of dealing with uric acid. Some meals have high purine levels, which are later converted to uric acid. Avoid meals with high purine levels. 

• Massage is an excellent way of aiding the expulsion of excess uric acid from the body. 

• Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the small kidney stones through urine. 

• Taking prescribed drugs for gout can help deal with the urate crystals and help flush them out of the body. 

• Weight loss for obese individuals can lower the chances of uric acid levels building up in the body. 

• Limiting alcohol consumption can give the kidney enough time to flush out the uric acid. When you consume excess alcohol, the kidney filters out its components and leaves out uric acid. 

• Consuming meals rich in fiber can help in the excretion of uric acid from the body. 

Massage therapists can help their clients flush out uric acid from the body, and help control some health conditions linked with uric acid. Generally, massage is meant to make the body relax. The entire massage process commences by applying oil on specific targeted areas. A massage therapist will gently start the massage with their fingers. A condition like gout affected the joints. Massaging the joints can help break up the uric crystals that form around the joint by increasing blood flow in the body. Through this, the crystals will be channelled to the kidney and excreted. 

Massage also helps relieve pain and inflammation, which can be caused by conditions linked with high uric acid. There are specific types of massage that are meant to deal with conditions linked with high uric acid. As a massage therapist, explore and master these types of massages and help your different clients who might be struggling with high uric acid. Explore and master these types of massages and help your different clients who might be struggling with high uric acid.