What’s the Best Way to Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis is often described as stiffness, aching, or soreness in the joints—but if you live with it, you know it’s not that simple. Some days it feels dull and heavy. Other days it’s sharp, swollen, and unpredictable. You might have good days, bad days, and days where you feel like you’re moving through wet cement.

Massage can help reduce that burden. It won’t change the structure of your joints, but it can support the tissues around them, reduce inflammation, and help you move with less pain.

What arthritis might feel like:

• Achy, stiff joints that are worse in the morning or after sitting

• Swelling or heat in the hands, knees, hips, or spine

• Muscles tightening up around sore joints to protect them

• Fatigue from pain or from the mental load of dealing with it every day

How massage helps:

• Increases circulation and lymph flow to reduce swelling and stiffness

• Loosens the muscles that guard around inflamed joints

• Calms the nervous system, which can help lower overall pain levels

• Improves range of motion and makes everyday movements less effortful

What to expect in a session:

• Gentle, supportive pressure around painful joints—not on them

• A steady pace with extra time for movement transitions

• Work on surrounding areas like the hips, shoulders, or back to take strain off smaller joints

• Space to speak up, pause, or ask for adjustments any time

When massage might help:

• You feel stiff and slow getting out of bed or standing up from a chair

• Pain seems to flare up when you’re tired or stressed

• You’re working to stay mobile but need help easing the strain

• You want a hands-on option that’s gentle, effective, and human

Massage won’t reverse arthritis—but it can help you move through it with more ease, more comfort, and a little more lightness in your step.