Myofascial Release Technique Massage as a Fibromyalgia Treatment

Massage Therapy and Other Treatments for Fibromyalgia.

Massage therapy in fibromyalgia is one of the many alternative measures used in the management of the disease. There are also many conventional medicine approaches in the condition’s treatment. Before going deep into massage and other therapies, it is important to know what fibromyalgia is; its causes and what are the signs and symptoms associated with it.

Fibromyalgia is described as a disorder that makes a person appreciate pain sensation in an abnormal way. What an ordinary person may feel as normal or bearable pain; for a fibromyalgia patient it will be perceived as being excruciating. Such a person’s brain usually enhance, multiplies, the pain sensation many more times.

Symptoms

• Pain is a dominant symptom. It affects the body bilaterally and involves both lower and upper extremities. The pain can last up to three months.
• Chronic fatigue. This is common even though these patients sleep excessively.
• There may be sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
• Difficulties with concentration.
• May present with mental disorders including depression.

Causes and trigger factors.

The exact cause is not known. However, there appears to be a genetic predisposition and women are affected more than men. Some of the triggering factors include:

• Chronic immune related conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus – SLE.
• Trauma including surgical trauma.
• Mental stress.

Treatment of fibromyalgia.

Massage therapy for fibromyalgia is an old technique that is still used widely today. There is a specific massage style called Myofascial Release Technique that gives sufferers immediate pain alleviation. The method is popular because, unlike conventional medications, there are no adverse side effects associated with it. Other benefits of this technique include:

• Ability to relax sore and tense muscles.
• Improves joint mobility and range of motion.
• Helps to slow heart-rate which helps to reduce anxiety and offers overall relaxation.
• It helps the body to produce more endorphins which are considered natural analgesics that could be as potent as some commercial analgesics but without associated risk of addiction. Endorphins also create a happy mood which reduces depression – a known trigger for fibromyalgia.

Deep or light massage can be used depending on the patient’s condition. Deep massage is better where muscles and joints are more affected. To improve outcome other Eastern therapy techniques are employed. These include acupressure and shiatsu – a specific massage method that mostly use fingers and thumbs.

Other types of alternative fibromyalgia therapies include:

• Acupuncture where very fine needles are inserted into various parts of the body and to various depths. This is said to help the body balance out and reduce signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia and other diseases.
• Yoga which helps to tone the body in a non-violent manner and relax it through meditation and breathing exercises.
• Tai chi which involves graceful body movements combined with meditation.
• Biofeedback techniques that help the body to relax.

Some supplement may also offer some relief. This includes the amino acid 5-HTP, SAMe and others that could help with reduction of joint inflammation. An example is omega 3 fatty acids.

Massage therapy for fibromyalgia may be effective on its own but sometimes the above measures can help to augment its efficacy. Inclusion of conventional medical measures for fibromyalgia may also be incorporated under certain circumstances. These measures include use of analgesics, anti-depressants and sometimes anti-convulsants. Side effects of these drugs must be kept in mind.

Since massage therapy for fibromyalgia has a holistic approach to the management of this distressing condition, it should be considered as often as possible. More about massage therapy at myremedialmassage.com.au

References

1. http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/natural-therapies-and-alternative-treatments-for-fibromyalgia
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/basics/definition/con-20019243