According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fibromyalgia is a “condition that causes pain all over the body, sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults, about 2% of the adult population. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed.
Massage therapy has been shown to provide relief to those suffering from fibromyalgia. Benefits include pain relief and a reduction in anxiety and depression. Specifically, there are three types of massage therapy that have been shown to be the most impactful.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a modality of massage that originated in Japan and uses finger and thumb massage techniques to treat pain by applying rhythmic pressure along the body’s acupressure points. Shiatsu is known for helping to relive stress and muscle tension, which is often a symptom of fibromyalgia.
Myofascial Massage
This type of massage is considered by many to be the best treatment for myofascial pain and stiffness, also symptoms of fibromyalgia. By relieving this muscle stiffness and pressure and improving blood flow, clients experience pain reduction and better mobility.
Swedish Massage
This gentle massage technique promotes general relaxation and promotes circulation. The five basic strokes associated with Swedish massage (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration) have been shown to improve circulation and blood pressure.
Research backs up the claims of the benefits of massage for fibromyalgia. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, talk to your massage therapist today about these techniques or others they are trained in to help you deal with your painful symptoms. Don’t spend another minute in pain, make an appointment and start to find relief.
