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Fibromyalgia causes chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems and mood changes. It occurs more often in women than in men. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome not a disease and it can be managed. It can increase stress levels due to pain, but this syndrome is not life threatening nor does it lead to muscle or joint damage. Fibromyalgia does cause pain and makes the body extremely sensitive to touch.
There are massage techniques that can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Massage is used to help encourage circulation in muscles which increases the flow of nutrients and eliminates waste products. This is particularly beneficial for clients managing this syndrome, as it can reduce heart rate, relax muscles, improve range of motion in joints and increase production of the body’s natural painkillers. Reflexology is one form of massage that can work to meet the massage needs of a client suffering from fibromyalgia. Massage techniques that utilize stretching and relaxation may also be effective in helping those suffering from fibromyalgia.
Therapeutic massage helps clients relax deeply which can help them sleep better. This can reduce fatigue which is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. Communicate regularly with your therapist as this is especially vital when dealing with a syndrome like fibromyalgia. Pressure and length of the massage may need to be adjusted. While therapists are familiar with the pain associated with fibromyalgia, each individual’s pain tolerance may be different.
