Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that can result in widespread pain over the body. Many patients find that massage therapy can be an effective non invasive way of managing the condition.
The focus of massage for this is on pain relief and improving range of motion and it is important that this is gentle. The massage also encourages the production of the body’s natural pain killers which can help ease general symptoms.
Often I will use long, soothing strokes and techniques and gently warm up muscles applying additional pressure gently. A few ways massage can help fibromyalgia are:
- It increases serotonin level which as an affect increases melatonin levels and aids better sleep.
- Helps decrease levels of substance P (a pain messenger in your system)
- Lowers production of stress hormones and cortisol levels
- Increases feel good happy chemicals and hormones in the body
- Detoxes the body
Fibromyalgia can mean you are very sensitive to touch, please be sure to communicate effectively during and after treatment to make sure the session is as beneficial as possible for you.
