Rheumatoid Arthritis

[That_Skate_Kid]

Hello to all my fellow MT buddies. Can you help me with this, I have a client who has rheumatoid arthritis, she is 19 yrs old, and I'd like to know what techniques should I use on her?  or should I touch her at all?

 

[Cici <33]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The following is from a great book called "Pathology A to Z" a must have in my mind for any therapist."Arthritis cannot be cured, but its relentless progress can be prevented. Stressreduction helps muscles to relax and reduce discomfort. in the early seforum.xxxes the aim should be to prevent contractures, deformity and to maintain joint range of movement. Hot packs help alleviate pain. Massage should not be given in the acute seforum.xxxes, but passive movements of the joints are encouraged.in the chronic seforum.xxxes, general massage helps reduce stress. Brisk but gentle effleurage and kneading can be used in the limbs. Friction strokes can be used around the joints to reduce the thickening in the periarticular tissues. but make sure there is no pain. In general, massage should be for a shorter duration."

 

[cutie pie]

my boyfriends mom has advanced RA. It use to be horrible before she started a aggressive RA treatment.  She takes a steroid called prednisone everyday and once a week she takes a shot called methotrexate (it is use for chemo patients some).  It has helped her tremendously. The swelling and pain has decreased.  She is now able to do stuff around the house like cooking and gardening, which she loves so much.  She use to just lye on the sofa all day, and it was even painful to walk to the bathroom.  Anyway I hope your pt is not that advanced, and that she can keep it from progressing.  Good luck!Melissa

 

[bak0ntrak2009]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It has been a while. HOw is your client doing warm D?

 

[Waverly H]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

warmD,I also have a client that most likely has RA.....I thought to post here so you could take a look there too if You'd like.Sincerely,CaringHandsMss

 

[Leah]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

I found some good information on the following website: http://www.embrel.com but don't know if that's a med of some sort.....I just was interested in reading the info on RA mainly.Maybe this will help???Sincerely,CaringHandsMss

 

[Tee<3]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cross reference on the boards:  

Rheumatoid Arthritis
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2470

 

[ARGHH. Im a Butt Pirate]

Thanks Much for the Cross Reference Texas Gal!!!

That is most helpful too!!! 8)

Sincerely,
CaringHandsMss