Deep Tissue Massage for Fibromyalgia is Good
For those who live with fibromyalgia, life can be very challenging. With the never-ending fight against the pain, it’s important to look at any treatments that can help. That begs the question of, is deep tissue massage good for fibromyalgia?
Here we’ll answer that question while also looking at the benefits of massage, how to avoid triggers and whether or not massaging at home can help. Let’s get started!
Deep Tissue Massage for Fibromyalgia is Good?
For those struggling a deep tissue massage for fibromyalgia can provide plenty of relief. As it reaches a deeper level of muscle tissue, it not only helps to relieve pain but it will also improve your mobility.
The reason is because of how deep tissue massage works. It will release the buildup of tension inside the body, which is usually due to muscle damage or stress. This damage and stress can often be caused by poor posture, repetitive strains, or strenuous physical activity.
Deep tissue massage for fibromyalgia can help anyone in pain as the massage techniques will help to improve circulation, which is essential for recovery. It will also help to reduce inflammation which aids in reducing fatigue and improving the quality of your sleep.
If you’re struggling with fibromyalgia, then a deep tissue massage can give you all these benefits. There can be secondary benefits too. For example, the improved sleep you can get after a massage can further reduce pain and promote muscle recovery.
Massage Benefits for Fibromyalgia Patients
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of benefits when it comes to deep tissue massage. Even for those not struggling with this debilitating condition, it can be a great idea to get one. Let’s look at the full range of benefits:
- Reduce muscle tension
- Reduce muscle spasms
- Improve flexibility
- Decrease fatigue
- Reduce pain levels
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve sleep quality
Along with these physical improvements, there can be mental benefits too. Deep tissue massage for fibromyalgia aren’t meant to be as relaxing as other types of massage, but many clients do find them to be a great stress reliever.
It’s even been shown that a massage can help to boost serotonin, which plays an important role in boosting your mood. The end result is that a deep tissue massage will not only help to manage your symptoms but also reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
What Aggravates Fibromyalgia?
While getting fibromyalgia under control is key, it’s also important to know what triggers the condition so that you can better understand it. Unfortunately, there can be many triggers and therefore pinpointing it can be difficult.
Common triggers include some medications, cold weather, stress, poor sleep and over-exertion. Of those, stress is probably the most significant. This is why it can be a great idea to have a deep tissue massage following a stressful event.
Finding any method to reduce stress is a good idea. If there are any common stressful life events that you can change, then try to do it. For example, avoid crowded places if that causes you to panic. If there are any recurring stressors in your life, make changes to reduce their impact.
It’s a good idea to make a diary of your fibromyalgia symptoms and make a note of any potential triggers. This can allow you to find patterns in your life which may sync up with your fibromyalgia flare-ups.
Everyone is different, and something that is a trigger for one person may not be a trigger for another. If you happen to go through a triggering event, you can also take this as a sign it’s a great time to book in for a massage appointment!
Do Other Types of Massage Work?
As we’ve seen, deep tissue massage can be a great option for those struggling with fibromyalgia. But are there any other forms of massage that work?
The best options will be other forms of massage which are designed deep into your muscles. Good examples of these are Swedish massage and sports massage. These will help to relax your muscles, reduce spasms and increase blood circulation. However, Swedish massage doesn’t quite go as deep as the other two techniques.
There are plenty of other types of massage too, which are mainly designed for relaxation. These can be good for reducing stress but don’t do much for your muscle recovery. So while they can help with triggers, they aren’t as good at dealing with the pain.
Another related treatment you can try is acupuncture. This can also be useful for managing pain and is something you can do alongside a deep massage. This helps to stimulate nerves and help to produce pain-relieving endorphins.
Does Home Massage Work for Fibromyalgia?
Yes, home massage is going to be a good idea when it comes to treatment for fibromyalgia. This is for all the same reasons that we stated above, as it will not only help to relieve pain, but it will also help to reduce stress.
Of course, there will be limitations. Unless you happen to live with a professional massage therapist, the results aren’t going to be quite as good! However, amateur massage from a partner, or even yourself, can be a good addition to professional treatments.
There is a word of warning here. Applying deep pressure without knowing what you’re doing can be painful and ineffective. For home massage, it’s probably best to focus on the relaxation element to reduce those triggers. Deep tissue techniques are best left to the professionals.
Final Thoughts
For those suffering from fibromyalgia, it’s a good idea to get all the help you can. One great way to reduce pain and deal with your triggers is to get a deep tissue massage. Not only will it help with your muscle aches, but it’s also a great stress reliever.
When combined with other treatment options, it can help to keep your symptoms under control and reduce the severity of your flare-ups. All that’s left to do now is book in with a professional massage therapist and enjoy all the benefits you’ll get!
