Did you know that four million Americans — that’s a whopping 2% of the population — suffer from fibromyalgia?
Living with fibromyalgia is challenging, as this condition is characterized by widespread pain and chronic fatigue. Although there’s not yet a cure, there are many natural ways to manage its symptoms.
Have you ever considered fibromyalgia massage to help manage your pain? In this post, we’ll dive into the benefits of massage therapy as an all-natural treatment option for fibromyalgia.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex (and often misunderstood) condition. It affects millions of people, especially middle-aged and older women.
Widespread pain is the number one symptom of fibromyalgia. Patients experience pain throughout their bodies, usually in soft tissues like muscles and tendons. Specific points on the body also become exceptionally sensitive to pressure, which causes intense discomfort.
In addition, many patients struggle with constant fatigue, which makes daily activities a challenge. Sleep is often elusive, leading to an endless cycle of exhaustion and worsening pain.
Cognitive issues (AKA “fibro fog”) are also common, with patients experiencing problems with concentration and memory.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. Medical experts believe it’s a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
When it comes to managing fibromyalgia, the main areas of focus are relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This is where massage therapy comes into play.
What Kind of Massage Is Best for Fibromyalgia?
Everyone has their favorite when it comes to deep tissue vs Swedish massage, but what’s best if you suffer from fibromyalgia?
While massage isn’t a “cure” for fibromyalgia, it can be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. Massage therapy can help to manage pain, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate stress — all without the use of drugs.
However, not every massage technique is suitable for fibromyalgia patients. Here are some popular massage modalities you might consider:
Swedish Massage
This classic, full-body massage is an excellent choice for patients with fibromyalgia. The gentle flowing strokes and kneading movements help to relax muscles and increase circulation without causing pain. Swedish massage also promotes better sleep and may reduce symptoms of insomnia.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release targets the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs. Fibromyalgia often causes the fascia to become tender and tight. Myofascial release massage can alleviate this tension, improving mobility and reducing pain.
Trigger Point Massage
Fibromyalgia patients usually experience tender points or trigger points in specific areas of the body. A massage therapist trained in trigger point therapy can apply focused pressure to these points to reduce tension and pain.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of massage therapy with all-natural essential oils. Many essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, have relaxing and pain-relieving properties — and they smell great too!
Fibromyalgia Massage: Improve Your Health Naturally
Fibromyalgia can be debilitating, but massage therapy offers a holistic approach to managing your symptoms. By working regularly with a skilled therapist, you can experience pain relief, increased mobility, and improved well-being.
Are you ready to experience these benefits for yourself? Whether you need a massage for fibromyalgia pain, a sports injury, or chronic tension and stress, we’ve got you covered.
Call us today at 970-748-1600 to schedule your next massage session at Simply Massage.