Supporting Your Joints, Gently: Massage Therapy for Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in Canada, affecting 1 in 5 adults—and those numbers only rise with age. Whether you’re living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of inflammatory joint disease, you know that arthritis can impact far more than your joints. Pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue can all make it more difficult to stay active and enjoy everyday life.
At Same Stars Wellness, we believe in personalized, whole-person care strategies. For many of our clients living with arthritis, massage therapy is a valuable tool in managing symptoms, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life.
In this post, we’ll explore how regular massage can support those living with arthritis—and introduce you to Carla Feher and Felicia Yee, two of our exceptional therapists with experience in treating chronic pain and mobility issues.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Arthritis
1. Pain and Stiffness Relief
One of the most immediate benefits of massage therapy for people with arthritis is a reduction in pain and joint stiffness. Massage helps increase circulation to affected areas, relieve tension in the muscles surrounding the joints, and encourage gentle movement. This can significantly improve comfort and range of motion.
2. Swelling and Inflammation Support
Some forms of arthritis cause fluid retention and localized swelling, especially during flare-ups. Massage techniques such as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can be particularly helpful in these cases, stimulating the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and promote detoxification.
3. Improved Sleep and Reduced Stress
Chronic pain can interfere with sleep and mental health. Massage therapy promotes relaxation, reduces cortisol levels, and boosts serotonin and dopamine—hormones that support emotional well-being and deeper rest. Better sleep can also improve how your body responds to pain.
4. Enhanced Mobility and Physical Function
Massage therapy can help you maintain independence and mobility by reducing muscle guarding, improving joint function, and supporting better alignment and movement patterns. It can also help reduce the secondary effects of arthritis, like compensatory tension in other areas of the body.
Meet Our Therapists: Carla and Felicia
Carla Feher, RMT
Carla has been practicing massage therapy since 2007 and brings a deeply holistic, client-centered approach to her work. She specializes in:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Burnout prevention and recovery
Sound Therapy
Support for chronic pain and inflammation
Carla is known for her calm, nurturing presence and her ability to help clients feel deeply at ease. Her work is particularly supportive for those experiencing systemic inflammation, arthritis flares, or nervous system dysregulation. She believes in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and her care reflects that belief.
Felicia Yee, RMT
Felicia brings over a decade of experience working with chronic pain, neuromotor and neuromuscular conditions, and neurodivergent individuals. Her massage therapy practice is informed by her extensive background in both pediatric and adult care, and she’s passionate about helping clients move through the world with greater ease and confidence.
Felicia’s approach is functional, empowering, and highly adaptive to each client’s specific needs. She is especially effective for those who are navigating arthritis alongside other chronic or neurological conditions.
What to Expect at Same Stars Wellness
Every appointment at Same Stars Wellness starts with a conversation. We want to understand your unique health story, your goals, and what you need most. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with arthritis or have been managing it for years, our therapists will work with you to develop a Personalized, Supportive, and Focused Care Strategy that helps you feel more mobile, more comfortable, and more in control of your wellness.
Book Your Appointment
If you’re living with arthritis and looking for natural, effective ways to manage your symptoms, massage therapy may be the missing piece in your care strategy. Both Carla and Felicia offer compassionate, experienced support tailored to your needs.
Book online or contact our team directly—we’re happy to help you choose the therapist and approach that best suits your goals.
Because living with arthritis shouldn’t mean living in pain. Let’s work together to bring more ease and movement into your life.
