Best Type of Massage for Fibromyalgia

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Are you looking for a way to ease the chronic pain of fibromyalgia? Massages are an excellent solution, as they can help reduce stress and tension in your muscles, increase circulation, and improve overall relaxation. But which type of massage is best for fibromyalgia? In this blog post, we’ll discuss why deep tissue massage may be ideal for managing your symptoms and provide some tips on how to find a qualified therapist. Uncover how deep tissue massage can improve your life with fibromyalgia! Dive in and discover the many advantages.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder that impairs the central nervous system, disrupting pain signals from processing correctly in the brain. Symptoms include unwarranted body tenderness, widespread musculoskeletal discomfort, and tiredness affecting primarily women between 30 to 50 years old.

 

Fibromyalgia is a perplexing disorder characterized by perpetual muscle tenderness, chronic pain, joint rigidity, and persistent exhaustion. It can result in headaches that come on frequently, as well as bouts of depression and anxiety with drastic mood changes. These symptoms can make it challenging for patients to perform even routine tasks, and they may find themselves limited in their daily activities. In addition, fibromyalgia can cause extreme pain at specific trigger points, which can hurt even with the slightest touch.

 

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is an incurable disease. However, with the right treatments and therapies, it is possible to improve symptoms and reduce pain. Common treatments include prescription medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Massage therapy has become a widely favored and truly effective approach to helping manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. This non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical option can increase blood flow to the muscles, soothe nerves, and reduce tension in the body’s musculature – all resulting in decreased pain and increased relaxation. For someone suffering from this condition, massage offers an opportunity to regain some control over their daily life while making it easier to get through each day.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex and chronic condition that affects an estimated 5 million adults in the United States alone. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that can have a debilitating impact on a person’s daily life. One of the most common and prominent symptoms of Fibromyalgia is widespread pain. The pain can be dull, and aching, and can occur in different areas of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. In some cases, even gentle touch or pressure on a certain area of the body can cause pain.

 

Aside from pain, people with Fibromyalgia often experience chronic fatigue, which can be overwhelming and debilitating. The fatigue is not alleviated by rest and can affect their ability to perform daily activities. Sleep disturbances are also common in people with Fibromyalgia, as they may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling refreshed. Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, are also frequent symptoms among Fibromyalgia patients. Finally, stiffness is another symptom that can cause discomfort and decreased mobility, particularly in the morning. This stiffness can also affect joint and muscle function, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, reaching, or bending. 

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia

A. Pain Relief: For those suffering from fibromyalgia, massage therapy has been proven to be a potent form of pain relief. According to research conducted in 2015, individuals that received frequent massages experienced striking decreases in their intensity and frequency of pain when compared to the control group who did not receive any such treatments.

 

B. Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Massage therapy is a proven method to alleviate stress and depression, symptoms that are often present among those suffering from fibromyalgia. The massage works by stimulating the release of endorphins – natural painkillers that can help reduce anxiety and depression while effectively managing chronic pain.

 

C. Improved Sleep: Fibromyalgia patients often suffer from insomnia, which can exacerbate their symptoms. Massage therapy has been found to improve the quality and duration of sleep, which can lead to an overall improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms.

 

D. Increased Range of Motion: Fibromyalgia patients often experience stiffness and limited range of motion, which can be improved through massage therapy. The massage helps to elongate muscles and increase flexibility, which can lead to a better range of motion.

 

E. Reduced Muscle Tension: Massage therapy helps to reduce muscle tension, which is a common symptom among fibromyalgia patients. The massage applies pressure to areas of tension, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.

 

F. Improved Circulation: Massage therapy helps to improve blood flow and circulation, which can promote healing and reduce pain. Fibromyalgia patients often have poor circulation, which can lead to cramping, numbness, and other discomforts. Massage therapy can help to alleviate these symptoms by improving circulation.

Different Types of Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia 

Shiatsu massage: 

This massage modality is based on applying stretching and pressure to particular regions of the body through the use of fingertips, palms, and thumbs. It is thought to ease fibromyalgia signs by enhancing blood circulation and relieving stress held within muscles.

Myofascial release: 

This type of massage works on the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, helping to release tightness and tension in the fascia. It’s thought to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and increase mobility in fibromyalgia patients. 

Swedish massage: 

This is a gentle massage technique that helps to improve circulation, reduce pain, and increase relaxation. It is particularly effective in lowering anxiety levels in fibromyalgia patients, which can help to ease symptoms. 

Craniosacral therapy: 

This therapy involves gentle manipulation of the skull and spine to encourage the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which can help to relieve headaches, neck pain, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. It’s also believed to promote a deep sense of relaxation, which can be beneficial for overall well-being. 

 

Studies have shown that massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for fibromyalgia. It can help to alleviate pain and stiffness, improve quality of sleep, and reduce anxiety levels. Furthermore, massage therapy is a secure and useful form of treatment with few adverse reactions reported. By minimizing symptoms and promoting calmness, massage therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Precautions and Safety Measures 

Consultation with a Medical Professional: Before undergoing massage therapy, it is important to consult with a medical professional beforehand. During the consultation, it is important to communicate any pre-existing medical conditions and medications taken as well as symptoms that could be exacerbated by massage. A doctor or other healthcare provider will also have valuable advice on which type of massage would work best for you, its intensity, and how often it should be done.

 

Communication with the Massage Therapist: When beginning a massage session, it is essential to let your massage therapist know about any areas of discomfort or pain. This communication will help the therapist target the areas that need to be worked on most during the session and avoid those that could cause aggravation or irritation. Additionally, if there are certain strokes or techniques that you find more comfortable than others, make sure to discuss them with your therapist before starting the session. 

 

Patient’s Role in the Massage Process: Throughout the massage process, patients need to remain aware of their bodies and how they are feeling during each stroke or technique used by the therapist. If, at any point during the treatment, you feel uncomfortable or in pain, make sure to let your therapist know immediately so they can adjust accordingly. 

 

Hydration: An important step for ensuring an effective massage is proper hydration beforehand. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your session to help flush out toxins released during treatment and to promote healing in muscles and connective tissue. 

 

Proper Rest: Lastly, it is important to get proper rest before and after each massage session to give your body time to recover from treatment and absorb its benefits fully. Make sure you have adequate time between appointments so that your body can heal itself effectively between sessions and enjoy a maximum therapeutic benefit from each one!

The Takeaway

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing fibromyalgia. Although massage therapy has been regarded as a promising complementary treatment option, the best type of massage for fibromyalgia varies from person to person, depending on their symptoms and preferences. However, studies suggest that techniques such as trigger point massage, myofascial release massage, and Swedish massage can help alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for fibromyalgia sufferers.

 

If you are near Long Beach, Moonlight at Naple Fusion Spa is a great spa to visit to experience some of the best massage services in the area.  Our spa offers a variety of massage techniques, and our experienced massage therapists can customize the treatment to suit your individual needs. Additionally, the spa provides other services such as acupuncture, cupping therapy, and facials, all designed to promote relaxation and improve overall wellness. Visiting our spa could be a great opportunity for individuals with fibromyalgia to find a massage therapist who can help reduce their pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

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