One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is extreme sensitivity to touch, so it’s understandable that some people with fibromyalgia avoid getting massages. However, they are missing out on something great.

Massage treatment might seem like the very opposite approach to take for fibromyalgia pain, but the right amount of pressure and manipulation can actually do a lot for your congested muscles and tissues. In reality, massage is a perfect natural remedy for fibromyalgia. Therapeutic kneading will stimulate blood flow, eliminate metabolic waste, and lengthen muscle fibers. The right fibromyalgia massage treatment will work within the limits of your condition to release pockets of tension, and improve your physical wellbeing and quality of life.

Recommended Fibromyalgia Massage Treatment

There are many types of therapeutic massage treatments, and the right style for your fibromyalgia pain will respect your muscle sensitivity and particular pain issues. Stick with these massage techniques for the most healing benefits:

• Swedish massage techniques. This classic relaxation technique — using the hands, arms or mechanical means — will gently manipulate tense muscles to relieve long-standing tension.
• Myofascial release. Focusing on the connective tissue called fascia, this technique aims to release pressure where the tissues connect to the bones. Muscles will relax and lengthen, leaving more space for the organs to expand.
• Reflexology. A safe and gentle approach that stimulates points on the hands and feet that are believed to be connected to various organs and tissues. This may help to relax certain areas that would be difficult to stimulate directly.
• Cranial-sacral therapy (CST). Using very mild pressure on strategic points at the base of the skull and along the length of the spine, the CST therapist can detect interruptions in the flow of spinal fluid, and improve the balance and function of every muscle area.

Massages to Avoid

The types of massage that are out of the question if you don’t like touch because of sensitivity include:

Thai massage treatment. It puts you through different poses for an entire hour.

Reflexology foot massage treatment. Presses on reflexology points that often hurt.

Barefoot massage treatment. The massage therapist walks on your back while holding onto a supportive rack suspended from the ceiling.

Rolfing/structural integration. You’ll feel beat up with this one.

Before proceeding with any fibromyalgia massage, be sure to consult a healthcare professional who has properly diagnosed your condition and who has recommended you to follow up with any of the above mentioned therapies. Preventing further aggravation of any type of symptoms is best to promote a healthier lifestyle and improve overall symptoms.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez

While fibromyalgia has been known to cause symptoms of chronic pain, many individuals with the condition avoid massage or other forms of similar treatment to avoid aggravating their symptoms. However, massage therapy performed by a qualified healthcare professional can not only be beneficial, it can help reduce and manage the pain caused by fibromyalgia.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .