May 12 is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.
For those effected by fibromyalgia, massage is actually one of the most beneficial treatments in their health plan for managing discomfort and improving their quality of life. What are some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia causes pain throughout the body, with tenderness in joints as wells as muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. There is no cure for this painful syndrome, but the pain can be managed.
Massage therapy is the most widely used type of palliative care and “alternative medicine” used in hospitals. Why? Because it is drug free, reduces stress, assists in pain relief, decreases feelings of anxiety and depression, and increases one’s overall well-being. Patients may benefit through the use of massage therapy in terms of alleviating pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.
Massage also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, thus making it a safe way to seek pain relief. The benefits to the fibromyalgia patient include: relaxation for improved sleep, improvement in muscle tonicity, improved ability to focus, relief from headaches associated with the syndrome, and noticeably diminished effects of anxiety and depression.
The successful results of a massage will depend upon the type of massage to benefit both the mental and physical effects of fibromyalgia. Types of massage therapy recommended for fibromyalgia sufferers: Trigger Point therapy; Swedish Massage; Myofascial Release; Hot Stone massage; Passive Stretching; and Sports Massage. Deep Tissue massage should be avoided. The massage should be painless and it is recommended that those who suffer from fibromyalgia seek massage 1 to 2 times weekly.
Relief …is just around the corner…at your Massage Therapist’s fingertips! ?
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