More than 25 million people across the country suffer from chronic arthritic joint pain, which is often viewed as a part of the aging process.

Examining body mechanics can help explain how joint pain progresses and how it can be alleviated.

A joint is where two bones come together to provide movement in various directions. Ligaments—bands of tough connective tissue that connect one bone to another—help support the bones as they move. Muscles and tendons move the bones. If the muscles are tight, pain or stiffness might occur when the joint is moved.

Pain informs the brain that some part of the body needs attention. When knee pain or stiffness arises, touching or rubbing the area for relief is a natural instinct.

Research indicates that massage therapy is an effective treatment for back, hand, knee and shoulder joint pain. A massage stroke, when applied to any muscles that move joints, loosens muscles and tissue and increases blood flow to those areas. This results in an immediate reduction in pain and increased joint mobility.

Massage promotes healing, decreases swelling, reduces stress, enhances muscle relaxation, improves circulation and creates a sense of well-being. If regular massage treatments aren’t economical, one can derive the same benefits through self-massage.

Source: Dr. Dorothea Atkins, CEO and founder of Holos Touch, 17 White Horse Pike, Ste. 6, Haddon Heights. Self-massage techniques are taught at “Drop-In” classes. For more information, call 856-546-7500. To read about Dr. Atkins’ groundbreaking knee self-massage research visit lermagazine.com/ler-archives/september-2013.