Massage Therapy as an Effective Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is described by sufferers as “pain all over the body”. The literal meaning is pain in the muscle fibers. Some symptoms of fibromyalgia include; chronic fatigue, mild fever, facial pain, and irritable bowl syndrome. The most common indication of fibromyalgia are the 18 “trigger points” found on the patient. A trigger point is described as a taught band of muscle fiber that can be extremely painful. There is no “cure” for fibromyalgia but the symptoms can be treated. Some treatments include pain medication, antidepressants, or anti epileptic medications. Alternative, less invasive, treatments of the pain symptoms can include hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and most commonly used, massage therapy.
Massage therapy is said by sufferers to be one of the most beneficial treatments for fibromyalgia pain. It has shown particular success in treating the fatigue factor associated with Fibromyalgia.
Other massage therapy benefits include:
• increased blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair
• increased flexibility
• increased range of motion
• decreased stress and depression
• reduced pain
• reduced stiffness
• improved sleep patterns
• increase in pain reducing hormones
In a 1996 study, fibromyalgia sufferers reported a 38% decrease in pain symptoms after receiving just ten, 30 minute massage sessions. The most common modalities of massage used with fibromyalgia sufferers are Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofacial Release.

This article authored by Brittany Talley NC LMBT# 9931. Read more informative articles from Brittany and others at www.desteneesalonandspa.com.

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Tags: Massage