Massaging Away Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia is an on going condition that can cause over-all body pain, aching muscles and insomnia. Although fibromyalgia is not life threatening, it can be a debilitating condition that destroys your mood as well as your ability to perform normal daily tasks.

The good news is that the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be reduced through massage and other lifestyle changes. In this article you will discover which relaxation and soothing techniques are used in massage for fibromyalgia to alleviate pain and aid better sleep.

From Lady Gaga to the man next door, fibromyalgia is widespread and thought to affect over 200 million people around the world. The large majority of sufferers are women with recent research suggesting that as many as 5% of women in the UK could be suffering from the condition.

Whilst there is still no specific cure, regular and appropriate massage therapy can help with many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia making the condition more manageable for those that suffer it.

I’m already in pain – won’t massage hurt?

There are many forms of massage including a wide range of softer, gentle techniques such as relaxing classic massage which are usually more appropriate for treating fibromyalgia.

➪ We all have different levels of sensitivity to pain, and fibromyalgia sufferers are often more sensitive to pain and touch than others. Massage should never feel uncomfortable for any recipient. Communicating freely and honestly with your therapist before, and during, a treatment helps ensure that you continue to feel comfortable throughout.

Whether your masseuse is performing soothing strokes through effleurage or improving flexibility of your joints through gentle stretching exercises, always let your therapist know immediately if you begin to feel uncomfortable. Professional masseuses are trained to adjust their touch to match the requirements and feedback of each individual client - so just speak up if you feel unsure at any point.

People sometimes worry that massage may be contraindicated for fibromyalgia. Massage often involves rubbing, pressing and kneading the body. Any of these movements could theoretically cause pain, especially to someone who is feeling particularly sensitive. However massage can also be very effectively applied using soft and soothing techniques. As well as being appropriate and safe for fibromyalgia sufferers, these kinds of movements can actually help reduce pain and discomfort and aid sleep.

➪ If you are unsure about receiving a massage to help with your fibromyalgia condition, check with your doctor before booking a session.

Is fibromyalgia a disease?

Fibromyalgia is not classified as a disease but the NHS recognises it as a condition which many people suffer from.

➪ Exactly what causes fibromyalgia is not yet known but it is thought to be a combination of inherited aspects of DNA, lifestyle and age. The condition can be difficult for GPs to diagnose because many of its symptoms are general in nature. Tiredness, aches and pains, and an inability to sleep are common symptoms of many different illnesses.

Triggers in the nervous system, rather than any underlying musculoskeletal issues, are believed to cause the discomfort that many fibromyalgia sufferers feel.

The condition does not cause underlying muscle or bone deterioration and is not fatal.

Best massage for fibromyalgia?

Massage therapy is well known to aid relaxation and improve blood circulation around the body. This consequential increased rate of blood flow help bring nutrients to aching muscles more quickly and helps eliminate toxins and excess lactate sooner. Massage also helps increase the rate of production of endorphins, your body’s natural pain killers, thereby further reducing pain.

➪ Fibromyalgia is a condition which can affect the whole body from head to toe.

A light touch, holistic full body massage is great complimentary therapy to help ease symptoms and many people's preferred alternative to taking pain-killer drugs. The effects of massage for treating fibromyalgia are often improved if done regularly and in conjunction with gentle exercise like swimming and yoga.

➪ Insomnia is one of the most common complaints of fibromyalgia. Aside from medication, a therapeutic massage properly performed by an empathetic therapist is probably one of the best promoters of sleep.

If you find yourself suddenly snoring as you begin to drift off to sleep during your fibromyalgia massage therapy, just relax and let it happen.

Professional massage therapists are completely comfortable with clients falling asleep and in fact take it as a great compliment.

One of the key benefits of booking a home visit massage to help with your fibromyalgia is that you do not need to suffer the inconvenience and stress of travelling through London to a clinic or spa. Simply continue to rest in comfort at home before, during and after your treatment.

➪ The most popular massage styles for helping treat fibromyalgia are relaxing Lymphatic Drainage and Swedish massage and trigger point therapies such as shiatsu and reflexology.

It is a good idea to mention that you are suffering from fibromyalgia and identify any tender points on your body both during your booking and to your therapist when they arrive.