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For more information, conferences, and advocacy activities in your area, visit the Arthritis Foundation’s website at www.arthritis.org. You’ll also find a link on their home page to the “2007 Drug Guide,” where you can familiarize yourself with common medications used to treat arthritis so you can research any possible massage contraindications.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is not a single disease; rather there are many different types. All affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. They include the following:

  • Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. It’s one of the oldest forms of arthritis and is the most prevalent form of it.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis is mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining of the joints. It’s a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other organs of the body, and is chronic. It’s also one of the most serious and disabling types of arthritis.

  • Gout occurs when needle-shaped monosodium urate crystals build up in joints and tissues, resulting in joint inflammation. It’s one of the most treatable forms of arthritis and can almost always be controlled with medication and changes in diet.

  • Fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition because it impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain. It affects mostly women, and is characterized by widespread pain that affects the muscles and attachments to the bone.

More Information for Your Clients

The National Institutes of Health treatment recommendations for arthritis include:

TAKE: glucosamine and chondroitin—these form the building blocks of cartilage, the substance that lines joints. Early studies indicate that these compounds are safe and may improve arthritis symptoms. More research is underway, (www.nccan.nih.gov/research/results/gait/qa.htm) so check with your physician to see what’s best for your specific case.

EAT: a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially antioxidants like vitamin E. These are found in fruits and vegetables. Get selenium from Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, garlic, whole grains and sunflower seeds. Get omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish (like salmon, mackerel and herring), flaxseed, rapeseed (canola) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

APPLY: capsaicin cream (derived from hot chili peppers) to the skin over painful joints. You may feel improvement after applying the cream for three to seven days.

Heat or Ice?

There is no definitive choice as to whether to use hot or cold therapies with arthritis. There are theories for both according to Patience White of the Arthritis Foundation. "It's an individual thing. Some people use ice, some use heat. If it helps, go for it," says White.

JoAnn Milivojevic is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Her articles about food, fitness and travel have appeared in Travel and Leisure, Saveur and Continental Inflight magazines. As a comprehensive certified Pilates instructor, she teaches mat classes and trains private clients in studios and home locations.

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