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WISDOM FROM WITHIN

THE ALCHEMIST'S BLOG

Fibromyalgia and Massage

12/10/2018

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A survey of over one thousand fibromyalgia (FM) patients revealed that regardless of age, gender, or duration of symptoms, people coping with this painful and fatiguing condition prefer massage therapy over other non-drug therapies (Fibromyalgia Network Journal July 2004)

“Fibromyalgia syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that include chronic pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. It is one of a collection of chronic disorders that often go hand in hand. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is frequently seen with chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, sleep disorders and several other chronic conditions.”

While Fibromyalgia is seen to be a relatively new condition, at this point we do have sufficient information to discuss its treatment with massage therapy. In 2000 the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) stated: "Fibromyalgia is another pain condition frequently seen by health care providers, and one in which there often is no universally effective treatment. Studies have found that up to 91 percent of people with fibromyalgia use some form of CAM, and up to 75 percent use massage therapy."

What are the results that patients with Fibromyalgia are receiving with massage?
  • A reduction in pain
  • Improved quality of life
  • Reduced anxiety and depression
  • Increased sleep and improved quality of sleep over time
  • Relief of tender points
  • Reduction in use of pain relief medication
  • Improved flexibility – reduced stiffness
  • Decrease in fatigue
  • Massage brings positive side effects

Massage truly is an antidote to the feeling of being a cog in the medical machine. Patients, caregivers, health care workers and others under unremitting daily stress find massage is an oasis of peace in a frantic world.


What type of massage is recommended for Fibromyalgia?

Studies have shown that gentle massage (which does not cause pain) brings the greatest symptom relief over time. Intensity can be increased over time, if desired by the client, however maintaining a pain-free session appears to be important.

One thing that we have noticed at Alchemy with our clients with Fibromyalgia is that their symptoms, pain levels, and responses are quite variable, so there is no “one size fits all” protocol from person to person or even from session to session.

We use a foundation of classic Swedish massage, with added techniques from Lymph Drainage Therapy, Hot Stone Massage and Myofascial Release. Energy techniques such as Reiki can be very helpful during a painful flare-up.

How Often Is Massage Recommended?
Many report that a higher frequency of massage does help in reducing the symptoms more quickly, so weekly or even twice a week is somewhere to start. That said, at Alchemy, we are always looking to move our clients to a place of maintenance, out of a more acute situation. So we will be looking for what a good schedule is for your body. For some, it is weekly, for others massage less frequently still provides major benefits.

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    Alchemy's Authors

    Owner Amelia Mitchell, brings her years of experience as a therapist as well as a deep interest in wellness, self-care, and healing to Alchemy's blog.

    Catherine Whelan, CST, LMT is a regular contributor to our blog.  She is an advanced level CranioSacral Therapist with Alchemy.

    Sarah Spruill is Alchemy's web intern. An English major at Skidmore College, Sarah writes, creates, and edits for Alchemy.

    Alchemy Healing Arts Center is located in Annapolis, Maryland.

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Alchemy Healing Arts Center Logo with Owl and Branch
107 Ridgely Avenue  |  Suite 13A  |  Annapolis, Maryland  21401
www.AlchemyHealingArtsCenter.com    410-263-1272    wellness@AlchemyHealingArtsCenter.com   Online Scheduling Available


©2006-2020 Alchemy Healing Arts Center, LLC - All Rights Reserved
The information provided on this site is not a substitute for medical advice and care.
Alchemy Healing Arts Center, LLC assumes no responsibility for outcomes resulting from the use of information contained on this web site, or from linked sites.

  • Home
  • Schedule Now
  • Modalities
    • Massage >
      • Therapeutic Massage
      • Restorative Massage
      • Myofascial Release
      • Sports Massage
      • Deep Tissue Massage
      • Massage Videos and Info
      • Integrative Reflexology
    • CranioSacral Therapy >
      • CranioSacral Therapy
      • Pediatric CranioSacral Therapy
      • Multi-Therapist Sessions
    • Lymph Drainage Therapy
    • Pregnancy and Fertility >
      • PreNatal Massage
      • CranioSacral for Pregnancy
    • Distance Sessions
    • Meditations with Kay Schaefer
    • Yoga Videos with Jackie
  • Therapists
    • Amelia Mitchell
    • Catherine Whelan
    • Elizabeth Sanders
    • Shelbi Miles
    • Tresa Ballard
    • Kay Schaefer
    • Sabrina Lopez
    • David Paad
    • Eliza Ennis
    • Erin Kennedy
    • Jackie Melsopp
    • Lynne Brummitt
  • Details & Info
    • COVID-19 Protocols >
      • Cleanliness and Disease Prevention
      • Client Safety Protocols
      • Intake and Screening
      • Covid Vaccine and Bodywork
      • Therapist Protocols
      • COVID-19 Exposure + Closing Policy
    • Welcome To All
    • About Alchemy
    • Newsletter
    • Gift Certificates
    • Rates and Insurance
    • Cancellation Policy Cold or Flu, COVID-19?
    • Testimonials
    • Cleanliness and Disease Prevention
    • About Your Session
    • Weather
    • Blog
    • Location and Contact
    • Careers With Alchemy >
      • Job Posting - LMT
  • Classes-Events
    • Meditation Series
    • Self Care - Lymphatic System
    • Continuing Education Classes
    • Being Uncomfortable - Becoming Anti-Racist
    • Alchemy Evenings
    • Gender 101 Alchemy Evening
    • CST Study Group
    • LDT Study Group