How might massage therapy help individuals suffering from arthritis?

Massage therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from arthritis because it focuses on alleviating stiffness and increasing mobility in affected joints. This type of therapy can promote relaxation of the muscles surrounding the joints, reduce tension, and improve circulation. As a result, it can help to enhance flexibility, making movements easier and less painful for individuals with arthritis.

While some may perceive that massage will provide instant pain relief, the benefits are often more cumulative, developing over multiple sessions rather than being instantaneous. Additionally, massage therapy is not a substitute for medication; rather, it can be a complementary treatment that works alongside other interventions. Emotional well-being is certainly a positive aspect of massage, but the focus of the question specifically addresses the physical effects on arthritis symptoms, making the alleviation of stiffness and increased mobility the most relevant and correct answer.