Massage therapy has many reported benefits, including hand massages. Hand massages may help ease muscle tension and may even reduce pain.

In this article, we’ll examine the benefits of hand massage and how to massage your hands when they need extra care.

A hand massage has the potential to improve your health and well-being in a number of ways. The benefits of a hand massage may include:

A 2017 reviewTrusted Source found that overall, massage therapy may be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

Let’s take a closer look at some of the hand conditions that research has shown may benefit from a hand massage.

Arthritis in the hands can be painful and debilitating. Simple tasks like opening a door or unscrewing a jar can be daunting or even impossible. Regular hand massages may help improve hand strength, and reduce symptomTrusted Source pain from rheumatoid arthritis.

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the wrist.

Massage therapy may help reduce carpal tunnel pain, as reported in a 2016 reviewTrusted Source. The review found that people with carpal tunnel syndrome who had regular massages reported lower levels of pain, anxiety, and depressed mood, as well as improved grip strength.

Massage for carpal tunnel relief focuses on the wrist, but it may also include the arm, shoulder, neck, and hand.

Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause pain in your hands and feet. It can also cause numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations. Common causes of neuropathy include diabetes and chemotherapy/

A 2016 study of people undergoing chemotherapy reported that after one massage session, 50% of the participants reported an improvement in symptoms. The symptom that improved the most after the 10-week study was overall weakness.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source focused on people with diabetic neuropathy who had massages with essential oils. The participants had three massages a week for four weeks. After four weeks, their pain was significantly decreased, and their quality of life scores were greatly improved.

You don’t need any special equipment for an at-home hand massage. You can do the massage with or without applying oil, essential oils, or lotion. To get the most benefits from a hand massage, it’s best to do it every day for at least 15 minutes. Try to use moderate pressure instead of light pressure, especially if you have hand pain.

A hand massage before bedtime may improve the quality of your sleep, but a massage can be relaxing and beneficial at any time of day.

You may want to apply some heat to your hands and arms before you start to help your muscles relax. Then, take the following steps:

  1. Sit in a comfortable position. To apply moderate pressure, it may be easier to have one hand on a table while you use your other hand to do the massage strokes.
  2. Use your palm to stroke your forearm from the wrist to the elbow and back again on both sides. If you want to, you can extend the stroking to your shoulder. Do this at least three times on both sides of your forearm. The idea here is to warm up your muscles.
  3. Use your palm to stroke from your wrist to your fingertips on both sides of your hand. Do this at least three times. Use moderate pressure.
  4. Cup your hand around your forearm with your thumb underneath. Pinch your skin starting at the wrist, and work slowly up to the elbow and back down again. Do this on both sides of the forearm at least three times using moderate pressure.
  5. Use your thumb and forefinger — or your thumb and all your fingers — to press in a circular or back-and-forth motion, slowly moving up your hand and forearm. Do this on both sides of your arm and hand at least three times using moderate pressure.
  6. Press your thumb in a circular motion with moderate pressure all around the back of your hand and then your palm. Continue pressure with your thumb along both sides of each finger. Use your thumb to massage the area between your thumb and forefinger.

Depending on your condition, your doctor, physical therapist, or massage therapist may suggest specific massage techniques. If you have serious pain, you may want to check with your doctor about starting self-massage.

Getting a professional hand massage can provide added benefits, especially if you have a condition that massage has been shown to help.

To find a certified professional massage therapist who is right for you, you can:

  • Ask your doctor to recommend a massage therapist for your type of condition.
  • Check the American Massage Therapy Association’s locator service. You’re likely to find at least a few therapists in your area. Look for someone who has experience in hand massage.
  • You can also check with the American Society of Hand Therapists for member therapists in your area.
  • If you’re getting treatment for a particular condition, the association of specialists who treat that condition may also have a referral service.
  • If there’s a local massage chain in your area, check with them about the qualifications and experience of their therapists, especially with regard to hand massage.

Some types of health insurance may cover massage, especially if your doctor refers you to a massage therapist for treatment. If you pay out-of-pocket, the cost can vary from $50 to $175 per session. It’s best to shop around, as prices can vary greatly.

Scientific evidence has shown that a regular hand massage may help ease pain, increase hand strength, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Hand massage can complement treatments for arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, and other conditions.

A professional hand massage is a good investment for your overall health. A daily self-massage routine can provide you with ongoing benefits.