As one of our clients was recently checking out at the Front Desk, after having a great massage, he asked if massage therapy was helpful for fibromyalgia. He explained that his wife was suffering from the condition, and although she felt reluctant to try massage therapy (for fear of triggering a flare up), he thought that massage must be helpful.
His instincts were right.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most debilitating conditions that an estimated 5.8 million people in the U.S. suffer from. The disease manifests itself in symptoms that involve muscle aches, pain, weakness, and joint stiffness. It also involves unexplained fatigue, making it difficult for patients to move or perform normal daily activities.
Recently, one of our clients in Westford, MA was featured in a write-up focusing on the benefits that she was able to achieve through massage for her fibromyalgia
Another client of ours in Southlake, TX was featured in a similar article in which she told her story about how she was able to gain relief through her massage therapy.
The Fibromyalgia Network on Facebook published a note describing the benefits of Massage Therapy for fibromyalgia
Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia... Does it help your fibro?
The American Massage Therapy Association also published an approved position statement in which Massage Therapy is positioned as an important and helpful part of a treatment plan.
Massage Therapy as Beneficial Part of Integrative Treatment Plan for Fibromyalgia
Massage Today published an article summarizing a recent research article that shows experimental evidence that Massage Therapy improves anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain, and quality of life compared to a placebo group for fibromyalgia patients who received massage therapy.
Patients with Fibromyalgia Find Comfort in Massage Myofascial Release Therapy
For a therapists point of view, the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association published this brief piece which offers some opinion & perspective from within the industry.
Massage for Fibromyalgia: A Therapist's Point of View
So, as you can see, from regular massage therapy, there are a lot of people who are getting significant relief from their discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.