What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex body syndrome that causes depression, anxiety, widespread pain in the muscles, mental instability and in some cases, insomnia.
People with fibromyalgia syndrome usually seek complementary therapies for relief. According to research, 90% of the sufferers seek one or two CAM therapies to get rid of pain, anxiety, and depression.
The widely used treatment that sufferers seek is massage therapy. Massage for fibromyalgia syndrome is a generalized term for either rubbing or kneading the joints, ligaments, and tendons to relieve the body stress and pain caused.
Fibromyalgia massage treatment might range from light stroking on the joints to applying deep pressure on tendons but it majorly depends on the person’s needs.
Types of Massages for Fibromyalgia Syndrome
However, the key is to get the right massage to ease the mental and physical effects of this syndrome. The type that involves practices of kneading, putting pressure, stretching and friction work best for the people suffering from fibromyalgia. Here are some massage types that might alleviate pain and anxiety instantly:
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is considered to be the most effective massage in treating fibromyalgia. Trigger points are located in muscle fiber bands and sufferers might have one or two trigger points in the affected area.
Once a therapist detects the painful points and applies deep pressure, you would see results in no time.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage combines beating, stretching, sliding, gliding, kneading and friction to promote blood circulation in the area of the body that is deprived of sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
People with fibromyalgia also help people dealing with stress. Therefore, it is a good way to improve mental well-being as well.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial massage therapy includes gently stimulating the connective tissues to restore the motion by elongating the muscle fibers.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is very different from the above massage therapies. In this therapy, the therapist places heated flat stones on key affected areas of the body and uses them as a massage tool to reduce pain.
It is effective enough to relax the body and also helps the body to get rid of fibromyalgia pain.
Passive Stretching
Passive stretching is very similar to simple stretching except that it involves putting an external force on the affected area or the limb to move it into a new position. People with fibromyalgia often have constant muscle strains and spasm. Gently moving the limb or the body parts might ease the stiffness caused in the muscles.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is usually preferred before a sports event or only for athletics but it can also help the patients of fibromyalgia. Sports massage therapy can significantly reduce muscle stiffness, soreness and pain in the body caused by physical activity.
Moreover, it also reduces blood pressure, heart rate and increases blood circulation, flexibility, and lymph flow. People with fibromyalgia have reported significant pain recovery after any physical activity.
