Massage: The Perfect Gift for your Valentine

Regular and periodic massage can bring relief from pain.

I have many patients who have Fibromyalgia and all of them will tell you that at one time or another, a doctor has told them that it's all in their head. Well, I'm here to tell you that fibromyalgia is very real and not an imagined ailment. It is, however, a mysterious and confusing condition that leaves doctors and patients perplexed.

What is Fibromyalgia? 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% 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.

Factors At Play - Jay Goldstein, MD, a leading researcher and clinician, identified three common factors in people who are susceptible to fibromyalgia:

1. Biochemical factors, such as hormonal disturbances, allergies, frequent colds and viruses, and nutritional deficiencies.

2. Biomechanical factors, such as congenital deformities (one leg longer than the other or scoliosis, curvature of the spine) or functional conditions (poor posture, overuse syndromes, or poor breathing patterns).

3. Psychosocial factors, like depression, anxiety, or difficulty coping with stress.

Massage Can Help - Fibromyalgia is best treated using a multidisciplinary approach, and massage 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:

Swedish Massage - Because stress is such a strong component of fibromyalgia, regular massages for relaxation and stress reduction can be beneficial to your program. Its primary goals are to gently relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore the balance between mind and body.

Rolfing - This whole-body approach is designed to restore postural alignment and ease. 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 the fibromyalgia cases. Rolfing aligns the body so the head and neck can rest more easily.

Lymphatic Massage - The lymph system is the body's primary way of eliminating waste at the cellular level. When the lymph sysem is backed up, tissues can get bogged down and become iritated, inflamed, and swollen. Biochemical disturbances are a key factor in fibromyalgia, so restoring the mechanical function of the lymph system can be important. Lymphatic massage is a specific form of therapy designed to improve circulation, remove waste, and reduce swelling in the tissues.

Neuromuscular Therapy - Trigger points that hold and release pressure become small areas of extreme tenderness and tightness for fibromyalgia patients. Neuromuscular therapy is a specific form of massage 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.

Considerations - Sensitivity to touch varies greatly for fibromyalgia patients. Some of my patients prefer very deep work, while others are sensitive to the lightest pressure. In a session with me, it's important to communicate what feels comfortable to you and what doesn't. When you're in an acute flare-up, it's best to limit your massage to more gentle techniques. When you're feeling better, deeper work intended to eliminate trigger points may be more appropriate.

You may be sore after a massage session. A moderate level of soreness can be expected, but should only last about 48 hours as your body adapts to the changes. If it lasts longer or is more severe, the massage might have been too deep or too long. Let's start out slowly, learn what works best for you, and then let me increase the time and intensity as you progress.

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue condition and as a licensed massage therapist, I am an expert at working with soft tissues. By allowing me to work with you as your massage therapist, you can expect to manage, if not reduce, your pain associated with fibromyalgia.

(Devada is a licensed Holistic Health Practitioner, schooled in Clinical Herbology, Nutrition, Aromatherapy, and Massage Therapy. To schedule an appointment, call La Vida Sana Wellness today or go online to book an appointment.)