How Massage Therapy Can Help

Fibromyalgia

The benefits of massage are now very well understood and are an integral part of many health related professions. Not only can it help with physical conditions it can also be extremely good for relieving mental stress and tension, even being used as a pleasurable activity in the home.

What Exactly Is Massage?

Massage is the activity of manipulating, rubbing and kneading the soft tissues of the body which can include the muscles, skin and fat layers. It can be performed on a one to one basis involving one person having direct physical contact with another normally using their hands to perform the act or it can be done using aids such as wooden roller-balls. Although it may seem as though massage for the relief of physical and psychological symptoms is a relatively new practice, it has in fact been around for thousands of years.

How Does It Help Those Living With Fibromyalgia?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are aches and pains of the muscles and joints, which suggest that massage therapy could be the perfect solution. Most fibromyalgia sufferers find their stiffness and aching is worse in the morning so regular massage therapy may help to loosen the joints relieving some of the symptoms.

The actual biological processes and benefits that occur during massage therapy are not fully understood but it is thought that it could be related to releasing pressure on nerves and also stimulating the production of endorphins which are the body’s natural pain killers.

In some cases it may be recommended that the massage is combined with hot or cold therapy which involves the introduction of warmed up or cooled down items that are used in conjunction with the massage. It may also be useful to combine the massage with some aromatherapy which can further enhance the relaxing benefits of the massage

It is vital however, that you receive the massage from a trained professional and do not simply ask someone at home to help you as they may be causing more damage.

Can It Be Dangerous?

In some cases massage can be dangerous if it is not performed by a trained masseuse or physical therapist especially if you have a known skeletal-muscular disorder or neurological condition. If you have an existing injury or known medical condition always ask your GP or specialist before receiving the therapy.

Where Should I Go For More Information?

If you have fibromyalgia the first place you should go to for advice is your GP. He or she may be able to refer you to a professional massage therapist or at least recommend a therapist in your area. It is also important to inform your GP of your desire to try massage therapy as in some cases it may not be suitable or you should only receive the therapy from a fibromyalgia specialist.

For most people, massage therapy is an excellent way of trying to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia and not only might it improve your overall health, but it may eliminate the need for so many medications that are often needed to control the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Massage Is Useful In Managing Fibromyalgia.

A study of people with fibromyalgia done by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine found that those who got 30 minutes of massage two times a week for 5 weeks had less anxiety and depression and lower levels of stress hormones. Over time they reported less pain and stiffness, less fatigue, and less trouble sleeping.

Massage Treatment Goals:

-reduce stress
-induce relaxation and sleep
-treat tenderpoints (slowly as intense may exacerbate condition)
- restore function to muscle
-relieve spasms
-reduce waste build up

ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA

Definition of Fibromyalgia Syndrome:

"fibro" - connective tissue of the tendons and ligaments
"myo"- muscle
"algia" - pain
Syndrome - group of signs and symptoms that make up a condition

Causes:

The cause of fibromyalgia is said to be unknown. However, this is a list of generally accepted theories for what causes fibromyalgia. Stressful event or cumulative trauma; genetic predisposition ; sleep deprivation or a lack of deep stage sleep; adrenal stress, thyroid imbalances, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition (too much caffeine, sugar, white flour and not enough vegetables, fruits and whole grains), lack of exercise, improper posture, hyper acidity of the body tissues.

Signs/Symptoms:

-Tenderpoints: hypotonic areas that generate local pain with pressure, usually feel soft (mushy) to touch found in all four quadrants of the body.
-usually diagnosed if they have pain for 3 months or more in 11 (or more)of 18 tenderpoints
-found more often in females, but a small percentage of men are also affected.
-don't wake up rested, no deep stage sleep, sleep apnea
-paresthesia: burning, tingling, pins an needles
-hypersensitivity to smells, sounds, lights, pressure, temperature
-worse in cold, damp weather
-allergies, bruises easily, restless leg syndrome, PMS, hormonal changes, teeth grinding
-depressed immune systems
-reduced mental capacity; loss of concentration, memory loss
-limited or restricted breathing
-adhesions
-improper posture - forward head, asymmetrical body,
-cramps, bloating
-asthma, sinus conditions, post nasal drip
-hypoglycemia, sugar imbalances
-dry, itching skin
-dizziness, clumsiness, motor coordination problems, ringing in the ears
-dry throat, eyes: problems swallowing,

Coexisting Conditions:

Irritable bowel Syndrome
Depression
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Esophageal Reflux
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
TMJ
Chemical Sensitivities
Hypoglycemia
Restless Leg Syndrome
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Seasonal Affective Disorder