As you read this you can probably identify areas of stress in your body. All this tension really aggravates the pain of arthritis. Massage is a way to help us relax and allow the blood to flow naturally through our bodies. The types of massage range from stroking, either lightly or firmly, to increase blood flow, to compression, which is kneading or squeezing. There is also percussion, using the hands to strike the muscles.
Some physical therapists use electric vibrators to massage the muscles.
This treatment is based on the concept that the muscles and organs of the body are affected by specific areas of the feet. When pressure is applied to these areas of the soles of the feet, other locations of the body relax. Although based on the ancient concept that the laying on of hands has healing power, this technique was recently developed by Dolores Keieger, a New York University nursing professor. This technique does not actually involve touch, but the holding of the hands about two to four inches above the body. It is thought that the closeness of the hands smoothes out or shifts the energy field surrounding the human body.