Massage techniques for managing fibromyalgia pain
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes body aches, pains, and excessive fatigue, and can affect daily function. While there is no straightforward cure for it, massage therapy can be an effective tool for managing fibromyalgia pain and improving the quality of life in patients.
FMS makes the body extremely sensitive to touch, so therapists should be careful which technique and what pressure they use. The wrong approach can cause the condition to flare up, leading to more pain. This blog shares simple and safe massage techniques that will help therapists manage fibromyalgia pain. These methods can quickly ease pain and anxiety for patients while improving the quality of the service therapists can offer.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that causes musculoskeletal pain and fatigue throughout the body. The pain may worsen in the morning and evening, during cold or damp weather, or with stress. Individuals may experience soreness, stiffness, burning, or gnawing pain, similar to arthritis. This condition doesn’t damage joints.
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown. However, researchers link the condition with genetics, trauma, sleep issues, stress, immunity, or biochemical problems.
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Muscle pain or tenderness
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Tenderness to touch
- Digestive issues
Patients may also experience mental and emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression, which are often linked. For example, 14% of people who had insomnia had developed depression a year later. Fibromyalgia can develop at any age and can affect anyone. However, middle age women are more likely to suffer from the condition than men.
If your clients experience similar symptoms, advise them to consult with their doctor or healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. They may recommend a combination of treatments, such as medication, exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, and massage.
Benefits of massage for managing fibromyalgia pain
As a complementary and alternative treatment, massage may provide the following benefits, including:
- Eased muscle tension. Massages can ease muscle tension by relaxing them. Techniques that involve gentle pressure, kneading, and stroking increase blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness in fibromyalgia patients.
- Reduced pain. Massage therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life by releasing hormones like endorphins and aiding in relaxation.
- Improved blood circulation. Improved blood flow means reduced inflammation and faster tissue healing, which may soothe the aching muscles caused by fibromyalgia.
- Decreased stress and anxiety. Living with pain and discomfort can affect people’s mental health. Easing pain through massage can improve mood and decrease stress levels, reducing anxiety symptoms.
- Better sleep. Massage can reduce cortisol levels by 31% and increase serotonin and dopamine levels by 28% and 31%. This can help alleviate stress and improve sleep quality.
Massage techniques for managing fibromyalgia pain
Here are some massage techniques that may be beneficial for fibromyalgia pain management.
Swedish massage
This gentle and soothing massage technique uses long flowing strokes and circular movements on the superficial muscles. These gentle movements improve blood circulation and oxygen flow necessary for muscle repair. This technique is ideal for fibromyalgia patients who may be sensitive to touch.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release targets the fascia, a connective tissue surrounding the muscles. When it becomes tight or restricted due to injuries, poor posture, or inflammation, it restricts blood flow and puts pressure on the muscles, causing pain and tension. The gentle stretching and gliding motion with sustained pressure on the fascia breaks up adhesions, improves flexibility, and reduces pain from fibromyalgia.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that uses the thumb, elbows, and palms to apply rhythmic pressure on acupressure points. It can reduce pain, increase pain threshold, increase blood flow, and improve sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia. Shiatsu massage doesn’t require the use of oil.
Reflexology
Reflexology follows the principle that all body parts are interconnected, and problems in one area can affect the entire body. Reflexology massage involves applying gentle pressure to reflex points on the feet, ears, and hands. Reflexes are believed to correspond to different glands and organs in our body. Applying gentle pressure to these points may relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and reduce anxiety, among other benefits.
Trigger point therapy
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in the muscles, that may cause localized or referred pain. They occur when the muscles contract but fail to release.
During trigger pointing, therapists apply pressure to these spots for ten to twenty seconds until they ease. Therapists encourage consistent deep breathing while easing the trigger points. As a result, patients may experience relief from pain and discomfort.
However, it should be done gently and carefully for individuals with fibromyalgia. That’s because these areas may be even more sensitive for them. Therapists should adjust the pressure to meet their client needs.
Related: Trigger Point Therapy
Lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage is another gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system. It uses light, rhythmic strokes, and circular movement to increase lymph flow and remove waste and toxins from the body. It can also reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
It does that by stimulating the cells that block pain signals from the pain receptors called nociceptors. These sensory receptors detect pain and are located in the skin, muscles, and joints. They respond to pressure and massage, easing pain.
What kind of massage is best for fibromyalgia?
Gentle massage techniques like Swedish massage, myofascial release, Shiatsu, or lymphatic drainage are all perfect for fibromyalgia. They increase blood flow, reduce stress and muscle tightness, and improve sleep and movement quality.
How often should people with fibromyalgia get massages?
The frequency of massage for individuals with fibromyalgia depends on their specific needs and the severity of their symptoms. Patients can begin with gentle weekly or biweekly sessions and gradually reduce the frequency as their condition improves.
Should you massage fibromyalgia tender points?
Gentle broad strokes can be helpful, but therapists should avoid applying deep and strong pressure to these extremely sensitive points due to the condition.
Should someone with fibromyalgia get a massage?
Massage therapy can help manage fibromyalgia by easing pain, reducing muscle soreness, and improving sleep, and anxiety symptoms. It should be used as a complementary treatment, in consultation with healthcare professionals.