{"id":75822,"date":"2021-09-12T06:35:47","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T06:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/?page_id=75822"},"modified":"2024-07-15T17:13:27","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T17:13:27","slug":"treating-fibromyalgia-massage-effective","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/q-and-a\/treating-fibromyalgia-massage-effective\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Treating Fibromyalgia with Massage Effective?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Is Treating Fibromyalgia with Massage Effective?<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFacebook\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Question:

<\/strong>After years of visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to find some relief from the often overwhelming pain that sometimes seems to overwhelm my entire body, I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. However, this diagnosis sometimes seems more like the beginning than the end. My doctor has had my try several different medications, and while a few have provided some relief, I\u2019ve yet to find anything that would completely free my from this debilitating pain. A friend of mine recommended massage therapy, but I\u2019m skeptical. I associate a massage with being pampered at a luxury spa. Is massage therapy really effective for fibromyalgia?<\/p>

Answer:<\/strong>

Research has shown that massage therapy can be effective in easing pain for people who suffer from fibromyalgia.[1]<\/sup> One theory on how fibromyalgia develops demonstrates how massage could be beneficial. Your muscles are surrounded by connective tissue called fascia<\/em>. When the fascia becomes tense, it compresses your muscles as well as surrounding nerve tissue and blood vessels. This constant muscle tension causes the inflammation associated with fibromyalgia.[2]<\/sup><\/p>

Massage relaxes and releases the tension in your muscles. It also encourages the production and release of endorphins in your brain. These chemicals can lessen the depression and disturbed sleep that are common among sufferers of fibromyalgia.[3]<\/sup> Another study conducted by the University of Miami Touch Research Institute found that fibromyalgia patients who had regular massage therapy showed decreased pain and stress hormone levels, increased serotonin, improved sleep patterns, and an improved overall sense of well-being.[4]<\/sup><\/p>

Consider having massage therapy at home so you can schedule your sessions when they would be most convenient for you, and you don\u2019t have to worry about going anywhere. This can be especially valuable when your symptoms are severe. Start with Swedish massage, which uses gentler, rhythmic movements. Other types of massage, such as deep tissue massage, may be beneficial, but you want to start with a gentler method to make sure you can handle it.<\/p>

Make sure you tell your massage therapist about your fibromyalgia, including your pain points and tender spots, as well as whether you\u2019ve had any flare-ups recently. This will help your therapist design the best treatment for you so you get the most out of your session.<\/p>

To get full benefit, you need to schedule your massages consistently and have sessions on a regular basis for an extended period of time. If you schedule massage therapy sessions once or even twice a week for a couple of months, you may start to notice a reduction in your fibromyalgia symptoms. One study showed that regular massage therapy over a duration of more than 5 weeks improved pain, anxiety, and depression in people with fibromyalgia.[5]<\/sup> Combine massage therapy with medications and other activities recommended by your doctor for the best results.

References:<\/strong><\/p>

[1]<\/sup> PLoS One: \u201cMassage Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3930706\/<\/p>

[2]<\/sup> Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals: \u201cTreating Fibromyalgia<\/em>\u201d http:\/\/www.massagetherapy.com\/articles\/index.php\/article_id\/644\/Treating-Fibromyalgia<\/p>

[3]<\/sup> PLoS One: \u201cMassage Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3930706\/<\/p>

[4]<\/sup> National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association: \u201cMassage for Fibromyalgia: A Therapist\u2019s Point of View<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/www.fmcpaware.org\/massage-for-fibromyalgia-a-therapist-s-point-of-view.html<\/p>

[5]<\/sup> PLoS One: \u201cMassage Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3930706\/

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<\/strong>\u00a0
Cancer treatment can be painful. Oncology massage<\/a> can reduce the pain significantly.

Massage can release tension all over your body, but it\u2019s not likely that massage can release toxins<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ready to book your massage?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook A Massage<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Is Treating Fibromyalgia with Massage Effective? Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on reddit Reddit Question: After years of visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to find some relief from the often overwhelming pain that sometimes seems to overwhelm my entire body, I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":75683,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_elementor_edit_mode":"builder","_elementor_template_type":"wp-page","_elementor_data":"[{\"id\":\"7e56c07d\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"5d72d680\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"2dfadc11\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"2eb64ce5\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"672f0f18\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"title\":\"Is Treating Fibromyalgia with Massage Effective?\",\"header_size\":\"h1\",\"align\":\"center\",\"title_color\":\"#14316C\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":30,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"600\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"heading\"},{\"id\":\"93a6c9f\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"spacer\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"afd9ca3\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"fda8182\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"73de8a1\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"text\":\"Divider\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"divider\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"7b486f49\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"1502e04c\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"564d1cca\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"share_buttons\":[{\"_id\":\"177a087\"},{\"button\":\"twitter\",\"_id\":\"821e691\"},{\"button\":\"linkedin\",\"_id\":\"280d314\"},{\"_id\":\"8f9e41a\",\"button\":\"reddit\"}],\"alignment\":\"left\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"share-buttons\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"73cb6c36\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[],\"structure\":\"22\"},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"90546f6\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":66,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"63a9bcdc\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"

Question:

<\\\/strong>After years of visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to find some relief from the often overwhelming pain that sometimes seems to overwhelm my entire body, I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. However, this diagnosis sometimes seems more like the beginning than the end. My doctor has had my try several different medications, and while a few have provided some relief, I\\u2019ve yet to find anything that would completely free my from this debilitating pain. A friend of mine recommended massage therapy, but I\\u2019m skeptical. I associate a massage with being pampered at a luxury spa. Is massage therapy really effective for fibromyalgia?<\\\/p>

Answer:<\\\/strong>

Research has shown that massage therapy can be effective in easing pain for people who suffer from fibromyalgia.[1]<\\\/sup> One theory on how fibromyalgia develops demonstrates how massage could be beneficial. Your muscles are surrounded by connective tissue called fascia<\\\/em>. When the fascia becomes tense, it compresses your muscles as well as surrounding nerve tissue and blood vessels. This constant muscle tension causes the inflammation associated with fibromyalgia.[2]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

Massage relaxes and releases the tension in your muscles. It also encourages the production and release of endorphins in your brain. These chemicals can lessen the depression and disturbed sleep that are common among sufferers of fibromyalgia.[3]<\\\/sup> Another study conducted by the University of Miami Touch Research Institute found that fibromyalgia patients who had regular massage therapy showed decreased pain and stress hormone levels, increased serotonin, improved sleep patterns, and an improved overall sense of well-being.[4]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

Consider having massage therapy at home so you can schedule your sessions when they would be most convenient for you, and you don\\u2019t have to worry about going anywhere. This can be especially valuable when your symptoms are severe. Start with Swedish massage, which uses gentler, rhythmic movements. Other types of massage, such as deep tissue massage, may be beneficial, but you want to start with a gentler method to make sure you can handle it.<\\\/p>

Make sure you tell your massage therapist about your fibromyalgia, including your pain points and tender spots, as well as whether you\\u2019ve had any flare-ups recently. This will help your therapist design the best treatment for you so you get the most out of your session.<\\\/p>

To get full benefit, you need to schedule your massages consistently and have sessions on a regular basis for an extended period of time. If you schedule massage therapy sessions once or even twice a week for a couple of months, you may start to notice a reduction in your fibromyalgia symptoms. One study showed that regular massage therapy over a duration of more than 5 weeks improved pain, anxiety, and depression in people with fibromyalgia.[5]<\\\/sup> Combine massage therapy with medications and other activities recommended by your doctor for the best results.

References:<\\\/strong><\\\/p>

[1]<\\\/sup> PLoS One: \\u201cMassage Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/pmc\\\/articles\\\/PMC3930706\\\/<\\\/p>

[2]<\\\/sup> Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals: \\u201cTreating Fibromyalgia<\\\/em>\\u201d http:\\\/\\\/www.massagetherapy.com\\\/articles\\\/index.php\\\/article_id\\\/644\\\/Treating-Fibromyalgia<\\\/p>

[3]<\\\/sup> PLoS One: \\u201cMassage Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/pmc\\\/articles\\\/PMC3930706\\\/<\\\/p>

[4]<\\\/sup> National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association: \\u201cMassage for Fibromyalgia: A Therapist\\u2019s Point of View<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/www.fmcpaware.org\\\/massage-for-fibromyalgia-a-therapist-s-point-of-view.html<\\\/p>

[5]<\\\/sup> PLoS One: \\u201cMassage Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/pmc\\\/articles\\\/PMC3930706\\\/

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<\\\/strong>\\u00a0
Cancer treatment can be painful. Oncology massage<\\\/a> can reduce the pain significantly.

Massage can release tension all over your body, but it\\u2019s not likely that massage can release toxins<\\\/a>.<\\\/p>\",\"text_color\":\"#020202\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_weight\":\"400\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"2e5ba0b2\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":33,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"61ce6394\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"

Ready to book your massage?<\\\/p>\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":17,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"400\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"},{\"id\":\"1b0a70f2\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"text\":\"Book A Massage\",\"align\":\"center\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":18,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"600\",\"typography_line_height\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":22,\"sizes\":[]},\"background_color\":\"#F58266\",\"border_radius\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"top\":\"50\",\"right\":\"50\",\"bottom\":\"50\",\"left\":\"50\",\"isLinked\":true},\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\",\"link\":{\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.soothe.com\\\/booking\",\"is_external\":\"\",\"nofollow\":\"\",\"custom_attributes\":\"\"}},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"button\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false}]","_elementor_page_settings":{"eael_ext_toc_title":"Table of Contents"},"_elementor_conditions":[]},"class_list":["post-75822","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75822"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75822\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}