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Relief for Fibromyalgia:
Bodywork as a Key Therapy
For fibromyalgia sufferers, muscle pain, tightness, and general
body discomfort can all too often become a way of life. But what
is fibromyalgia, and what can be done to help?
Fibromyalgia, which literally means "connective tissue muscle
pain," causes severe tenderness in multiple points throughout
the body as well as persistent fatigue, morning stiffness, and
non-refreshing sleep. Fibromyalgia is found in about 2 percent
of the adult population, and women are five to seven times more
likely to have it than men.
Theories about the cause of fibromyalgia include thyroid
imbalance, sleep disorders, genetic predisposition, allergies,
trauma--especially whiplash injuries--and possibly even viruses.
Many who have fibromyalgia syndrome have other conditions as
well, including depression, irritable bowel syndrome, chemical
sensitivities, intolerance to exercise, restless legs syndrome,
extreme sensitivity to cold, and seasonal affective disorder.
Fibromyalgia is best treated using a multidisciplinary approach,
and bodywork can be a key part of healing, recovery, and
management. Depending on your specific needs, any or all of the
following methods may be helpful.
Because stress is such a strong component of fibromyalgia,
regular massages for relaxation and stress reduction can be
beneficial to your program. Swedish massage is the foundation of
training for most massage therapists. Its primary goals are to
gently relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore
the balance between mind and body.
Rolfing (and other related forms of bodywork under the umbrella
of structural integration) helps to free soft tissue tightness
and remove the structural imbalances that create stresses and
strains on the body, restoring biomechanical function. Whiplash
and other types of neck injuries are commonly seen in
fibromyalgia cases. Rolfing aligns the body so the head and neck
can rest more easily.
Biochemical disturbances are a key factor in fibromyalgia, so
restoring the mechanical function of the lymph system can be
important. When the lymph system is backed up, tissues can get
bogged down and become irritated, inflamed, and swollen.
Lymphatic massage is a specific form of therapy designed to
improve circulation, remove waste, and reduce swelling in the
tissues. It's often a good way to start a bodywork session.
Trigger points--pivotal body points that hold and release
pressure--become small areas of extreme tenderness and tightness
for fibromyalgia patients. Neuromuscular therapy is a specific
form of bodywork designed to free these trigger points along
with the fiber in the surrounding tissues. Neuromuscular therapy
encompasses many different techniques, but the system is
designed to relieve the tightness in the deep soft tissues and
to eliminate trigger points.
Sensitivity to touch varies greatly for fibromyalgia patients.
Some people prefer very deep work, while others are sensitive to
the lightest pressure. It's important that you establish good
communications with your massage therapist so you can explain
what feels comfortable to you and what doesn't.
You may be sore after a session. A moderate level of soreness
can be expected, but should only last about forty-eight hours as
your body adapts to the changes. If it lasts longer or is more
severe, bodywork may be too aggressive or the session may be too
long. Start out slowly, learn what works best for you, and let
your therapist increase the time or intensity as you progress.
Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue condition, and bodyworkers are
experts at working with soft tissues. By including massage in
your care, you can expect to manage and improve your
fibromyalgia.
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