If you are living with fibromyalgia, you are all too familiar with muscle pain, tenderness, stiffness, and sensitivity to touch.
One potential way to alleviate these symptoms, at least temporarily, is massage.
In this blog post, we will explore the various types of massage that have been found helpful for fibromyalgia patients and discuss the science behind their benefits.
Benefits of Massage for Fibromyalgia Patients
Massage therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with fibromyalgia. It can help relieve headaches, improve sleep quality and duration, enhance overall health, reduce tender points, decrease the use of painkillers, lower cortisol levels, decrease stiffness and fatigue, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.
The combination of physical and psychological factors stimulated during a massage may be responsible for these benefits.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain Relief | Massage can help reduce pain associated with fibromyalgia, including pain located in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. |
| Stress Relief | Massage can help relax the mind, reduce stress, and improve mood in people with fibromyalgia. |
| Improved Mobility | Massage can help increase flexibility and range of motion, and improve overall strength and endurance. |
| Restful Sleep | Massage can help reduce the fatigue and insomnia commonly experienced by people with fibromyalgia. |
| Reduction of Tender Areas | Massage can help reduce tenderness in areas affected by fibromyalgia, such as the neck, back, and shoulders. |
Scientific Evidence Supporting Massage Therapy
Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of massage therapy for fibromyalgia patients.
A 2014 literature review found significant pain reduction with five weeks or more of massage therapy, as well as significant reductions in anxiety and depression for many patients[1]Yuan SL, Matsutani LA, Marques AP. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Manual therapy. 2015 Apr 1;20(2):257-64..
Another study in 2018 reported reduced stress, pain, and improved quality of life for participants who underwent a three-month program of Swedish massage therapy[2]de Oliveira FR, Gonçalves LC, Borghi F, da Silva LG, Gomes AE, Trevisan G, de Souza AL, Grassi-Kassisse DM, de Oliveira Crege DR. Massage therapy in cortisol circadian rhythm, pain intensity, … Continue reading.
A 2019 literature review found that myofascial release, a type of massage therapy, showed the most significant improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life[3]Araújo FM, DeSantana JM. Physical therapy modalities for treating fibromyalgia. F1000Research. 2019;8..
| Pathophysiology of massage for pain |
|---|
| Neurological Effects |
| Massage stimulates the nerves in the skin, leading to the release of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters are known to have a positive effect on the brain, which in turn can reduce pain sensation. |
| Connective Tissue Effects |
| Massage can help to improve the elasticity and flexibility of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can result in reduced pain. Massage can also help to improve the range of motion and flexibility of the joints, which can help to reduce pain. |
| Circulatory Effects |
| Massage can help to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Massage can also help to reduce muscle spasms, which can help to reduce pain. |
| Physiological Effects |
| Massage can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive effect on the body and help to reduce pain. Massage can also help to reduce muscle tension, which can help to reduce pain. |
Types of Massage for Fibromyalgia Patients
- Swedish Massage: This technique uses a combination of long strokes, kneading, rolling, and circular movements to encourage relaxation and blood flow to the heart. It can also help loosen joints and reduce stiffness while decreasing stress.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Similar to Swedish massage, but with stronger pressure, this technique focuses on manipulating deeper tissues and muscles. It can relieve soreness and tension, but may result in lingering soreness.
- Shiatsu: A Japanese therapy that applies pressure on specific bodily points and uses continuous rhythmic motions.
- Hot Stone Massage: Heated stones are placed on key points of the body to provide soothing heat, helping to relax muscles and ease pain. This technique is often used alongside other methods.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Concentrates on painful spots in muscle fibers, using finger pressure and kneading to alleviate discomfort.
- Myofascial Release: Applies gentle, sustained pressure to connective tissue, increasing blood supply and relieving pain and tightness in the fascia. This technique can help reduce pain and stiffness in fibromyalgia patients by increasing tissue flexibility and joint mobility.
- Cranial Sacral Therapy: A technique applied to key areas of the skull and around the lower spine to improve muscle function.
- Reflexology: Focuses on the hands and feet, using short bursts of light pressure to induce relaxation throughout the body.
Finding the Right Massage Therapist
All massage therapists have different skill sets and specialties. It is crucial to be open and honest during a massage session and communicate your needs and preferences.
Keep in mind that it may take time to find the right therapist for you, but finding one who understands fibromyalgia and can cater to your unique needs is well worth the effort.
After a massage, it is common to feel floaty or relaxed, and some individuals may experience temporary soreness or increased emotional sensitivity. To help manage these side effects, consider taking a warm bath with Epsom salts, staying hydrated, and allowing your body time to heal.
Conclusion
Massage therapy offers a range of potential benefits for those living with fibromyalgia.
By understanding the various techniques available and finding a skilled massage therapist, you can incorporate this complementary treatment into your pain management strategy and improve your overall quality of life.
There is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia and treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and improving patient quality of life. This involves a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach consisting of lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic measures, and other complementary approaches including but not limited to acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and meditation .
Diene Oliveira Cruz
Physiotherapist, with specialization in Orthopedics and Traumatology by Santa Casa de São Paulo. Pain and Rehabilitation Specialist.
References
| ↑1 | Yuan SL, Matsutani LA, Marques AP. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Manual therapy. 2015 Apr 1;20(2):257-64. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | de Oliveira FR, Gonçalves LC, Borghi F, da Silva LG, Gomes AE, Trevisan G, de Souza AL, Grassi-Kassisse DM, de Oliveira Crege DR. Massage therapy in cortisol circadian rhythm, pain intensity, perceived stress index and quality of life of fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 2018 Feb 1;30:85-90. |
| ↑3 | Araújo FM, DeSantana JM. Physical therapy modalities for treating fibromyalgia. F1000Research. 2019;8. |