Therapies... - Massage - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, marked by periods of flare-up and remission. The disease affects various organs. Systemic complaints are common at onset such as fatigue, weight-loss and fever. There are several ways the disease can manifest itself: skin rash, polyarthralgia, arteritis, pleurisy, pericarditis, anemia, or a variety of neurological conditions. Arthritis develops in 75% of patients and arthralgia in 95%. The most common sites for these being the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpal-phalangeal joints of the hands (knuckles), the wrists and knees. Morning stiffness in these joints is commonly reported.

An assessment from an M.D. is generally recommended for internal organ or other systemic involvement, so treatment modifications may be implemented if necessary. The general focus of treatment is stress reduction to reduce S.N.S. firing and for tissue maintenance (see Stress Reduction/Relaxation). Joints that are experiencing arthritis and that are not currently inflamed can also be treated (see Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis).