Nick Ng, BA Articles

Scientists review how psychological treatments alter brain networks linked to chronic pain

Most chronic pain explanations are often attributed to biomechanics, physiological factors or both. Not surprisingly, most treatments are often based on these reasons, such as surgery, medications, posture correction, and joint manipulation. However, a group of researchers—led by Dr. Lene Vase from Aarhus University in Denmark—highlighted core principles of psychological

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physiotherapist treating joint pain lower back

Massage for joint pain: A biopsychosocial approach

Traditionally, massage and other manual therapists are taught mostly the biological aspects of treating joint pain, such as anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology. However, some physiotherapists and pain researchers have been advocating for a broader approach to patient care. They wrote in an editorial published in British Journal of Sports Medicine

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Illustration of biopsychosocial factors that contribute to fibromyalgia.

Does massage help reduce fibromyalgia pain?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep issues, tenderness, stiffness, and mood changes. It can significantly impact quality of life, limiting the ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain social relationships. Fibromyalgia affects about 0.2% to 6.6% of the

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massage hand with massage oil

How massage therapy may reduce psoriatic arthritis pain

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your joints and skin. The hallmark symptoms are joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint injury. This type of arthritis typically occurs in people with psoriasis, and the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis among them is about 30%. Other risk factors include

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Can massage reduce gout pain?

Gout athritis can bring sudden and intense pain at your joints, particularly the big toe, ankles, elbows, wrists, fingers, and knees. While traditional treatments typically  involve medication and dietary changes, massage therapy could be used to alleviate severe pain from flare ups. While the Arthritis Foundation recommends getting a regular

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Illustration of a knee with osteoarthritis.

Can massage reduce osteoarthritis joint pain?

Massage therapy is well-known to reduce body aches and promote relaxation, and its benefits may extend further for those with osteoarthritis.  While massage therapy shows promise in pain reduction, its effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors, such as lifestyle, genetics, prior experience with

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Illustration of a generic joint at stages 1 and 2 of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Does massage work?

Rheumatoid arthritis — or RA — is an autoimmune disorder that lasts a lifetime. It typically affects your joints, like fingers, shoulders, and knees, but it may affect your eyes, lungs, blood vessels, skin, and heart. Since massage therapy can help alleviate pain for many types of chronic pain conditions,

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