What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic pain disorder characterised by widespread muscle, tissue and joint pain and tenderness throughout the body. A person with fibromyalgia will experience pain even from the gentlest touch. In addition, many people often deal with fatigue, numbness, sleep, memory and mood issues such as depression and anxiety. It affects 2-4% of the people, women make up 80-90% of sufferers. Fibromyalgia is not caused from an autoimmune disease or inflammation in the body.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia In additional to chronic generalised pain, fibromyalgia has many other symptoms. Sufferers often describe feelings of foggy brain, hyper sensitivity to touch, sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, depression and stiffness. Since many of these symptoms can also be associated with other disorders including mental health issues or chronic fatigue syndrome, it is important to see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis.
Remedial Massage for Reducing Pain from Fibromyalgia Recent studies have shown 98% of fibromyalgia sufferers use some form of alternative medicine to reduce their symptoms. Massage was found to be one of the best alternative treatments to help manage symptoms. According to the AAMT, remedial massage can be a beneficial part of an integrated treatment plan for those suffering with fibromyalgia.
Remedial Massage can:
reduce feelings of pain
increase quality of life
reduce anxiety and depression
increase hours of quality sleep
decrease stiffness
decrease fatigue
Treatment for Fibromyalgia Pain Rheumatology International recommends starting with a gentle massage 1- 2 times a week for at least five weeks for best results. Massage can also be used on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for continued pain management. As the fibromyalgia patient is able to tolerate deeper pressure, the massage therapist can start incorporating myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Trigger point therapy can be helpful to ease the tenderness of painful spots located in bands of muscle fibers, the applied pressure helps to deactivate the pain sensation.