neck and shoulder massage for fibromyalgia

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How Massage Therapy Transforms the Lives of Fibromyalgia Patients

Living with fibromyalgia often feels like battling an invisible enemy—fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and emotional distress can overshadow daily life. But there is hope. For the 5 million Americans affected by this complex condition, finding relief can sometimes be as simple as the power of touch. Massage therapy, with its proven benefits, offers a sanctuary of relief and comfort for those grappling with fibromyalgia.

Imagine a therapy session where the chronic pain that has been your constant companion begins to melt away. The tension in your muscles eases, your mind clears, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you experience a profound sense of relaxation. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s the reality that many fibromyalgia patients discover through therapeutic massage.

In this article, we’ll explore the tangible benefits of massage for fibromyalgia patients. From improving sleep to reducing anxiety and depression, we’ll show you how massage therapy is an important part of managing this chronic condition.

massage for fibromyalgia patients

Understanding Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Challenges

Every year on May 12, we recognize National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. It’s a great time for massage therapists to think about how their healing touch can help the 5 million Americans living with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes ongoing pain and tenderness, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD).

Chronic, widespread pain torments fibromyalgia sufferers. Joints, muscles, tendons, and soft tissues ache relentlessly. This complex disorder has no cure, but relief exists. Massage therapy offers a soothing effect, easing discomfort to alleviate pain for those battling this ongoing condition. Through skilled hands, patients find relief and manage their pain effectively.

face down for massage

Understanding the Enigma of Fibromyalgia: A Challenge for Allopathic Caregivers

Fibromyalgia remains a mystery to many allopathic caregivers. It primarily affects women, nearly nine times more than men. Most individuals develop this condition between the ages of 20 and 50, which should be the most vibrant years of their lives. Instead, they face unique challenges as the chronic pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia disrupt daily routines.

For massage therapists, understanding these demographics is important. Recognizing that women are most affected during this pivotal life stage allows therapists to provide more empathetic and tailored care. By acknowledging their clients’ specific challenges, therapists can better treat fibromyalgia. They can address the physical symptoms and support emotional well-being. This offers a holistic approach to fibromyalgia treatment.

getting a massage

Who Are Fibromyalgia Patients? A Closer Look at Their Struggles

Characteristics and demographics of fibromyalgia sufferers were studied recently within the context of a national health survey. Results from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) conducted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, released in late 2015, indicated that:

  • People with fibromyalgia had high levels of chronic pain, non-pain symptoms, and psychological distress.
  • Their fibromyalgia-like symptoms were severe and continuous.
  • About 27 percent were diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a physician.
  • About 73 percent who were not diagnosed with fibromyalgia were told they had rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or low-back pain.
  • They were more likely to have serious medical issues, like a heart attack, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and other mental illnesses. They were also more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
  • They had relatively high levels of medical costs, Social Security disability, and work disability.

Fibromyalgia was more common in certain groups. Those at higher risk were:

  • Female
  • Midwestern
  • Less than a college education
  • Divorced or separated
  • Obese
  • Smokers
  • U.S. citizens, not noncitizens
  • Fibromyalgia occurred equally across all racial and ethnic groups but was less common in Asians

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and How They Affect Daily Life

The main symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread pain, which can range from mild to severe. Pain may be characterized as:

  • Shooting pain
  • Burning sensations
  • Deep, unrelenting aches
  • Tender points in soft and connective tissues
  • Muscle tension and stiffness

Other common symptoms include:

  • Unrefreshing sleep
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Cognitive issues (“fibro fog”)
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Tender points

If one has had three months or more of widespread pain, with more than ten tender-point areas, there is a good chance they will be diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Today, a newer method of diagnosing this condition is being adopted by physicians. This includes a 19-item checklist in which a patient indicates which body parts have felt painful in the prior week. Patterns are witnessed over time as the patient completes this checklist weekly.

How Massage Therapy Alleviates Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Deep Dive

There are many fibromyalgia benefits of massage therapy for fibromyalgia patients. Different types of massage, including myofascial release therapy, Swedish, and shiatsu, have been indicated by research studies to help this clientele. Here are five of the benefits of massage for treating fibromyalgia patients:

1. Relaxation to Improve Sleep

One of the biggest challenges for fibromyalgia patients is achieving restful sleep. The constant chronic pain and fibromyalgia symptoms cause sleep disorders. This further aggravates the situation. Evening therapeutic massage sessions really change the game. A licensed massage therapist uses soft tissue work and trigger points. This helps reduce muscle tension and promotes relaxation leading to better sleep.

During a Swedish massage, therapists use smooth, flowing strokes that promote lymph circulation and promote relaxation. This helps to reduce stress hormones, allowing both the mind and body to enter a more tranquil state. Better blood flow to vital areas eases pain. It also helps the body heal and refresh itself while it sleeps. Many patients with fibromyalgia also report less pain and better sleep after a few therapy sessions.

2. Improved Muscle Tonicity

Many people with fibromyalgia experience weakness and fatigue in their muscles. This ongoing issue leads to increased muscle tension and stiffness, continuing a cycle of pain and discomfort. However, massage therapy improves muscle tone. It helps fibromyalgia sufferers regain their strength and energy.

A great example is the application of petrissage strokes, which are kneading techniques used in connective tissue massage. These strokes break down muscle tension and improve blood circulation in the area. This not only helps to ease pain but also aids in restoring the muscle’s natural elasticity. Patients often see a big boost in their ability to do daily tasks. They feel less tired and more comfortable, and experience reduced pain and emotional reactions.

3. Enhanced Mental Clarity

Many people with fibromyalgia experience cognitive difficulties, often called “fibro fog,” which affect concentration and mental sharpness. Therapeutic massage can greatly improve mental clarity and reduce stress. It eases physical pain and emotional tension.

During a therapy session, the relaxing nature of myofascial release massage helps decrease stress hormones and encourage a sense of well-being. As the therapist targets tension in the soft tissues and trigger points, patients feel more clear-headed. This leads to better focus, a boost in memory, and a more positive outlook. All these factors make it easier to tackle daily responsibilities and work-related tasks.

4. Headache Relief

Chronic headaches are a common complaint among fibromyalgia patients. These headaches are caused by muscle tension and poor blood flow to the brain. Therapeutic massage like trigger point therapy offers a non-invasive solution for pain relief by targeting the root causes of these headaches.

A massage therapist might prioritize trigger point therapy in the neck and shoulders. These areas are often tight in people with fibromyalgia. By releasing these trigger points, blood flow to the brain is improved, reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. This temporary relief from pain offers a much-needed break from discomfort. It helps clients feel better and develop a more positive mindset.

5. Reduction of Anxiety and Depression

Living with fibromyalgia is really tough, and many people may feel anxious or down because of their condition. However, massage therapy could be a great way to help ease these feelings. It supports hormonal balance and encourages relaxation, making a positive difference in how you feel. Plus, who doesn’t love a little “me time” that leaves you feeling both refreshed and uplifted?

A myofascial release therapy session is a wonderful way to support your body’s nervous system. It may help shift out of that ongoing fight-or-flight mode many people with fibromyalgia experience. This change leads to less pain, anxiety and a more stable mood, which is great for overall well-being. Plus, the soothing touch of massage therapy will encourage the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. This not only helps ease pain but also boosts your sense of well-being and emotional balance.

For more information on how mindfulness and massage help ease the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain, check out this blog.

The Role of Empathy

When working with fibromyalgia patients, it’s important to remember that empathy is more than just a professional courtesy—it’s an important element of effective treatment. Fibromyalgia is an often misunderstood and invisible condition. This leads many patients to feel that their pain and struggles are not taken seriously by others. As a licensed massage therapist, you have the unique opportunity to offer not just physical relief but emotional support as well.

By treating each fibromyalgia patient with compassion, respect, and without judgment, you create a therapeutic environment where they feel truly understood and cared for. This empathy and attention greatly improve your patient’s well-being. It leads to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Conclusion

Managing fibromyalgia is not easy. Those suffering live with many ups and downs. However, therapeutic massage offers a warm and caring way to help those who often feel ignored by traditional medicine. Your touch is special—it can heal, give temporary pain relief and comfort, and bring back hope.

By including these alternative treatments in your health care plan, you not only help with symptoms of pain anxiety but also support your patients’ overall well-being. This caring approach makes a real difference and improves the quality of care you provide.

Is massage good for fibromyalgia?

Massage myofascial release therapy is highly beneficial for individuals with fibromyalgia, particularly in reducing chronic, widespread pain. This therapy helps alleviate muscle stiffness and promotes relaxation by releasing tension in the fascia, which is necessary for pain management. Many patients find that massage therapy for fibromyalgia improves their overall quality of life.

What are the benefits of massage myofascial release therapy for fibromyalgia patients?

Massage myofascial release therapy offers multiple benefits for fibromyalgia patients, including reducing muscle stiffness, improving flexibility, and decreasing pain levels. As part of complementary and alternative treatments, this therapy also enhances blood circulation and promotes better sleep, which are key to managing the fatigue and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.

How does massage myofascial release therapy fit into complementary and alternative treatments for fibromyalgia?

Massage myofascial release therapy is a vital part of complementary and alternative treatments for fibromyalgia, complementing other therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and dietary modifications. This holistic approach addresses both the physical and emotional symptoms of fibromyalgia, providing a better strategy for symptom relief and overall well-being.

Can massage myofascial release therapy be combined with other complementary and alternative treatments for fibromyalgia?

Yes, massage myofascial release therapy can be effectively combined with other complementary and alternative treatments like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and meditation. This combination helps to further reduce pain, improve mental clarity, and manage the chronic fatigue often experienced by fibromyalgia patients, making it a powerful addition to any fibromyalgia treatment plan.

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Information presented in this article is never intended to replace advice from a medical professional.

Jimmy GialelisAbout the Author

Jimmy Gialelis, L.M.T., B.C.T.M.B., is the owner of Advanced Massage Arts & Education in Tempe, Arizona. He is a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork-approved provider of continuing education and teaches “Working with Pathologies—Arthritis” and many other classes. He wrote “Fibromyalgia: Massage Therapy Considerations” for MASSAGE Magazine‘s July 2015 print issue, and “Massage Therapy for Thyroid Health”  and “Massage for Clients with Hemophilia,” among other articles for massagemag.com

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