Massage techniques for fibromyalgia?

[chris c]

Can anyone suggest some proper massage techniques for a client suffering from fibromyalgia?  Any special concerns to be aware of?  Have you found that deep work or gentle touch is more preferred?  Any other advice appreciated!

 

[mahadi]

Massage techniques for fibromyalgia?

Thank you for all the information!

 

[Heakesaurry]

I just performed Thai Yoga massage on my client who has fibromyalgia.  She really liked that because it opened all the energy lines and stimulated her nervous system.  I find she gets "stuck" and this type of treatment seemed to help her alot.  Generally we do medium - deep work.Reiki or polarity therapy if someone is having a really bad time that day.

 

[Scorched Eartha Policy]

Hi Gang,I am very curious about these fibropoints.  I have done a search for them, however am coming up empty.  Any suggestions of where I can find them?Brett

 

[Proud Army Wife]

There is some good information about Fibromyalgia in Ruth Werners Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology which just came out in a 2nd edition by the way.  The treatment suggestions are rather general, but the main point is that the neuromuscular system and its sensory component especially is not functioning normally, so pain perception is heightened.  The system is hypersensitive, so it is easy to "over treat".  A typical relaxation massage routine could be too much stimulation and lead to increased pain.  On the other hand, done with that caution, massage to relieve stress can be enormously helpful, as it can, as mentioned before, have positive effects on the neurotransmitters that modulate the pain response.  It is also speculated that the underlying problem leading to this imbalance is actually a sleep disorder.  Chronic lack of proper sleep can drastically effect the neurotransmitter balance.  However is the sleep disturbance a cause of, or a result of, the chronic pain....still unknown!  If massage can help the client get better sleep, it would help in any case.  Following is an abstract from the database on the Touch Research Institutes website.  A good place to visit.Field, T., Diego, M., Cullen, C., Hernandez-Reif, M., & Sunshine, W. (2002). Fibromyalgia pain and substance P decreases and sleep improves following massage therapy. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.METHOD: To determine the effects of massage therapy versus relaxation therapy on sleep, substance P and pain in fibromyalgia patients, twenty four adult fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or relaxation therapy group. They received 30-minute treatments twice a week for five weeks. RESULTS: Both groups showed a decrease in anxiety and depressed mood immediately after the first and last therapy sessions. However, across the course of the study only the massage therapy group reviewed an increase in the number of sleep hours and a decrease in their sleep movements.However, In addition, substance P levels decreased and the patients' physicians assigned lower disease and pain ratings and rated fewer tenderpoints in the massage therapy group.

 

[Marc M]

There is a terrific article by two Russian Medical massage therapists in the current (Feb/Mar 2004) issue of Massage and Bodywork Magazine.  Entitled, "Massage Therapy: A Beneficial Tool in Treating Fibromyalgia",   by Ross Turchaninov and Boris Prilutsky, they write: "We beleive that FM is acutally a fibromyositic pathology.  Fibromyositis is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory condition of the musckle, fascia and other connective tissue. The main cause of fibromyosititis is the accumulation of pathological hypertonus in muscles over a prolonged period of time. This can me triggered by post traumatic phenomena, stress,sleep disorders, hormonal changes (explaining the high incidence among women), toxic chemical exposure and other factors. ... The persistance of this inflammatory condition prompts calcium deposits in muscles  and tendon attachments to the periosteum. A chronic inflammatory condition of the the skeleto-musculo system [and fascia surrounding them] causes secondary changes in neurotransmitter levels and activities in the central nervous system. THe changes appear after the patient starts to experience chronic pain, [but] the intitial trigger is the skeletal muscles where local, pathological abnormalities were developed. ...Many studies have detected significant depletions of ATP concentrations (Adenosive triphosphate) in the skeletal muscles of FM patients.  ATP is a major energy source for muscular contraction [and subsequent relaxation.]...When the muscle needs to relax, ATP is in short supply... and the tension builds up.The article shows specific connective tissue massage directions for each. It also details the differences between FM nd MPS (Myofascial Pain Syndrome),which are often mistaken for each other. (Note: FM has a strong emotional component, more generalized, persistant pain, & related complaints. The authores detail the following msaage treatment protocol:  The first 3-4 massages can possibly aggravate the pain in 10 % of FM clients, due to toxin release. But usually the first 10-15 masages can create positive changes.  The authors recommend the first 10 massages be frequent - 2x week, with initial focus on high pain levels , leading to full body treatments starting 4th or 5th session. Client should lay on stomach for no more than 12 minutes, due to pressure on the rib cage.   When prone, put pillows under the body - 1 under abdomen, 2 under chest. Side lying is recommended. Do not treat in a massage chair.  After the first 10 treatments, the client should do exercise 2 or  3 x week and get 5 additional massage treatments. Take a 2 week break from massage (but not from exercise) and come back for another 15 massages (2x week) while exercising 4 x week.  Take a 3 week break from massage, continue to exercise 4x week, and them continue 1 massage per wek to prevent reaccumulation of tension.

 

[Old Thrusty]

Thank you Barbara and all others who have responded to my questions re: fibromyalgia!  

 

[bearsma90]

Massage techniques for fibromyalgia?

The information that I received at a fibromyalgia workshop listed two very informative websites...

http://www.sover.net/~devstar/

http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/

If you reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, you might consider attending one of the workshops on massage for people with fibromyalgia that is offered at the McKinnon Institute.

http://www.mckinnonmassage.com

 

[Farwood]

Massage techniques for fibromyalgia?

HelloI am a nail technician who has a client who has been diagnosed and wants to continue with manicures. Is there any advice on how to treat this clienst as well as how to as she gets worse.Obviously is she get too bad I would stop massage or manicures all together but I am finding out more and more in this field are delaing with this problem.Also a nail tech herself has been diagnosed and wants to continue working any advice there? I deal with hands and feet arms and legs. Much of what I have read here is helpful but with the right advice I am hoping to write and article for a trade magazine in the business. Thanks