Benefits of Remedial Massage therapy for Fibromyalgia

 

 

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition affecting around 2-5% of the Australian population, mainly young to middle-aged women. The condition causes pain and muscle stiffness in many parts of the body, and leaves the sufferer feeling fatigued and with difficulty sleeping.

Fibromyalgia is the name given to a group of conditions that causes:

• Widespread Chronic PainJoint Tenderness Fatigue Insomnia Memory loss Mood changes  
  

•  Fibromyalgia is not a disease, but rather is part of a group of clinical syndromes that can be managed. 

• Fibromyalgia fortunately is not life threatening and does not cause joint or muscle deterioration.

• There is no known cause of fibromyalgia, but it is suspected that genetics plays a role, as well as certain triggers such as emotional or physical stress or pain.

• What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

   

  

  

  The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

• pain in many different muscles and bones
• tenderness or stiffness in the muscles or bones, lasting for at least 3 months
• extreme tiredness
• difficulties in sleeping

Other symptoms and related conditions may include:

• problems with concentration and memory
• anxiety, depression or emotional distress
• irritable bowel syndrome
• headaches
• numbness and tingling in the arms and legs

People with fibromyalgia often find their symptoms change over time. The symptoms may be worse during times of psychological, social or physical stress.

Regular Remedial Massage Therapy can help manage Fibromyalgia 

One form of therapy widely used by fibromyalgia sufferers is remedial massage. Remedial massage can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms through the application of specific therapeutic techniques to areas in the body where pain is experienced. It is also used to help relax the mind and release stress, as stress can trigger symptoms in fibromyalgia sufferers.

Fibromyalgia pain patients may avoid remedial massage for fear that it will exacerbate pain, but the opposite is often true. When Fibromyalgia pain patients have a flare-up, muscles become tight and knotted. Eventually the muscles begin to:

• Cling to other muscles
• Hardening the muscles and tendons, fascia
• The body will stiffen into a permanently tensed state
• This limits mobility all over the body and makes movement painful

  

  Massage does several different things to benefit the body:

  

• Relaxes muscles
• Stimulates weak muscles
• Improves range of motion
• Increases endorphins
• Reduce heart rate
• Lower blood pressure
• Increase blood circulation and lymph flow

The increased circulation, muscle relaxation, and improved range of motion can all provide fibromyalgia relief. But it can also help with many conditions that occur with fibromyalgia, like headaches and back pain.

Endorphins are one of the body’s natural pain killers, so the increased endorphins from remedial massage therapy can also help manage these pain conditions. The benefits of massage can effectively reduce discomfort from generalized low back pain, jaw pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD), joint pain from osteoarthritis, or almost any other pain condition.

There are a few styles of massage that can be very effective for managing symptoms of fibromyalgia. These are outlined below.

Myofascial Release Massage

Myofascial Release Massage technique focuses on manually stretching the ‘fascia’ – the band of connective tissue beneath the skin. This releases muscle pain and tightness, and improves blood flow, stimulating better circulation and bringing more fluid to the muscles and joints.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle through the use of deep, slow, and smooth strokes. This type of massage is particularly useful in releasing chronic muscle tensions, as well as targeting the trigger points that cause knots, pulled muscles and headaches.

Swedish Massage

Fibromyalgia suffers from mental and emotional stress and anxiety which can aggravate symptoms, and this can lead to disruption of the digestive system. Swedish massage is a relaxing form of massage therapy that uses gentle strokes to create a calming effect on the body and mind. This helps to reduce stress, which can subsequently help to restore normal digestive function.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage aims to naturally drain lymphatic fluid, encouraging circulation to reduce pain, and eliminating waste products in the body that can deplete the immune system and negatively affect sleep.

Improving symptoms with regular fibromyalgia massage

The best thing about remedial massage therapy is the more often you go, the better you will feel. Each session helps to release muscle tension, allowing for improved rang of motions in the joints and reduced pain. A remedial massage can also improve your ability to sleep, which is important for fibromyalgia sufferers who find they are unable to sleep or feel fatigued during the day.

Clinic Details

Precision Massage Clinic is located in Bankstown. During your visit your condition will be assessed and steps taken to assist with your rehabilitation. After the session FREE muscle stretching sheets can be provided to assist with healing your injury. It is recommended that you continue these exercises at home to speed up the healing process.

To book in for a session, please call Jade Tran on 0425 444 304. I hope you found the article helpful in further understanding your symptoms.

Disclaimer

Any opinions expressed within this article is form from my personal perspective, not that of my Professional Associations /Educational Institutions

. This article are intended to convey information only and should not being misconstrued as medical advice.

If you have any concerns regard to medical matter, you need to consult a professional healthcare provider.

I will not compensate you in any way what so ever should you happen to suffer death/injury/loss/inconvenience/damage due to the information contain in this article.

Thank you for your time 🙂