Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 20 people, mostly between the ages of 20 and 50(1). Also known as fibromyalgia syndrome it can have many symptoms, but the most common is muscle pain and stiffness. A massage therapist for fibromyalgia can help relieve muscle tension, promote general relaxation and naturally aid deep sleep.
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What Is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition and it’s main symptom is pain in muscles, tendons and joints. Women are far more likely to suffer from it than men and the exact cause is still unknown. Though thankfully it is less likely to be viewed as something that is “all in the mind”. Other common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, problems with memory and concentration, headaches and irritable bowel syndrom (IBS). However, it is possible that some “symptoms” are actually the cause of fibromyalgia, or at least contribute to its severity. For example, muscle pain can prevent poor quality sleep as the discomfort can keep waking you up. But poor quality sleep can cause muscle pain as it does not allow the body to properly repair itself.
Massage For Fibromyalgia Treatment
Research indicates that massage therapy can effectively alleviate numerous symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, even though the precise cause of the condition remains unknown. In a survey, participants with fibromyalgia consistently reported significant symptom relief after receiving massage therapy, making it a popular choice for symptom management(2). Each massage can reduce the severity of several symptoms at once and no, it will not be a painful experience. As with any massage treatment it does not have to hurt to be effective. And you are always in control of how much pressure is applied and how deep the massage is.
Here are just a few ways that massage help your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Pain And Stiffness
You might feel pain across your entire body, or it could be worse in some areas than others. Often it is the neck and shoulders, lower back or legs where people report getting the most problems. A gentle Swedish massage can help to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation and help to flush out toxins. It will also help to increase blood flow to bring nutrients and naturally release pain-relieving chemicals. In turn this can allow a more active lifestyle which has been shown to improve the severity of fibromyalgia. Click for more on massage and pain relief
Fatigue And Poor Quality Sleep
Poor quality sleep is a common symptom of fibromyalgia due to frequent waking or just a lack of deep sleep. Either way, a constant feeling of fatigue is often the result, making it impossible to do anything worthwhile. Whether its muscle pain that’s preventing you getting a good night’s rest or even restless legs syndrome, massage can help. Besides reducing pain it relaxes your muscles and gets rid of the stress hormones that are common with fibromyalgia. Instead, massage causes your body to release natural endorphins. These are your body’s “feel-good” chemicals that promote a feeling of well being and comfort to aid deep sleep.
Headaches And Migraines
Tight and painful muscles are very often the cause of headaches and migraines, along with stress and lack of sleep. Plus they can be more frequent and more severe if you suffer with fibromyalgia. Often they begin with tension in the neck and shoulders which can go on to feel like a tight band over or around your head. Or they can set off a migraine, especially if you are already prone to them. A neck and shoulder massage can relax the muscles responsible to reduce the severity and frequency of your headaches. It can even prevent them occurring at all.
Fibromyalgia In Summary
There are many other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia so I have only mentioned how massage can treat the most common. But many more of them can be helped by a combination of techniques that are specific to you. Whether this is a gentle full-body Swedish massage or a slightly deeper and more targeted deep-tissue massage. At the very least you will experience more relaxation and a improvement to your mood and overall well being.
Book A Mobile Massage
If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here