OSTEOARTHRITIS

A condition of the skeletal system.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative condition affecting the articular cartilage covering the ends of long bones.

Also referred to as osteoarthritis it is the most common form of arthritis.

OA affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 45 and 90 years.

JOINTS MOST COMMONLY AFFECTED INCLUDE:

• fingers,
• neck,
• knees,
• feet,
• hips and,
• low back

OA is more prone to occur in joints that have been previously injured.

SYMPTOMS OF OA INCLUDE (symptoms may or may not be present):

• pain and stiffness in the affected joints,
• joint swelling and,
• reduced range of motion

MASSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Relaxation massage may provide some relief of symptoms by relaxing the muscles and soft tissues around the affected joints.