Massaging Arthritic Hands

[~ Jenni ~]

I have a client who would like me to massage the nodules on her joints of her arthritic hands. Apparantly her Grandfather did this for her Grandmother every night and said that he thought it reduced them. She would like to come in more often and have this done. I told her that I didn't think I could do that because my scope of practice is to work on soft tissue not joints and that you cannot work on or around them when they are inflamed. I do massage her hands and fingers around the joints. I told her I would check into this further and let her know what I find out. Also told her that paraffin dips would be benifical to her.
Does anyone have any advise or suggestions?

 

[BeYoNd It ALL...{{2.2.0}}]

Maybe refer her to a qualified reflexologist in your area, hand reflexology has been incredibly beneficial for arthritis pain, and it is within the scope of practice if the reflexologist has training in hand reflexology. The Reflexology Association of America is a good place to look for a referral if you don't have one in mind: http://www.reflexology-usa.org/

Knuckling in on Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are indicated on the hands by the enlargement of the first knuckle on the fingers. The knuckle will begin to enlarge long before there are other physical symptoms of arthritis!

The part of the body affected is shown by a knuckle enlargement of the corresponding finger. Hand Reflexology is an excellent way to work with this condition!

Index Finger - hips and lower back
Middle Finger - knees
Ring Finger - legs and feet
Small Finger - neck and upper back

The knuckle will begin to enlarge once the person's lifestyle makes them predisposed to developing the corresponding arthritic condiiton, but long before the ailment has become disabling. We have found that this is the best time for a Reflexology Treatment and gently working the hand reflexes vs foot reflexes is preferable! Following a specific hand reflexology routine that allows for soft, supportive techniques and working methods is called for at this time.

This information excerpted from the Universal College of Reflexology's Hand Reflexology Manual. http://www.universalreflex.com

 

[Staci Lancaster]

Thank you!
I will pass on the information.

 

[imogen]

I would say that as long as there is no acute inflammation present that massaging her hands and adding in a little, gentle, passive joint movement would be helpful.

What type of arthritis does she have?

 

[T C]

Osteo, Thanks.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I do ART and for us we work quite agressivley on arthritic joints. I have found that in doing this clients regain a lot of ROM and their pain from the arthritis eases. Don't get me wrong this is often very uncomfortable at the time.
I remember in school the professor telling us that osteo pt's usually feel better when they move more. I feel that by working aggressivley on these joints thus moving them more, they are benefitting from the eased symptoms. Very often these pt's become gun shy to use their fingers because of their pain yet this would be better for them. At least they get some activity if we do it for them.