While certain conditions only impact distinct parts of the body, others are more widespread -- and a good example here is fibromyalgia. Those who suffer from this condition may have problems and pain in several different areas, but there are also good treatment options available, and one of the most effective in many cases is massage therapy.
This is where our expert massage therapists at REMassage come in. We proudly serve clients with a wide range of needs, from simple pain to specific conditions like these. We offer a comprehensive selection of massage therapy techniques, allowing you to make the ideal choice for your needs. Here's a primer on what fibromyalgia is, plus the multiple ways massage therapy helps combat it and its symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a wide-ranging disorder that causes pain, tenderness, and fatigue in the sufferer. It can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions. However, doctors will often order blood tests or conduct a physical exam to rule out other possibilities before diagnosing fibromyalgia.
There is no one cause for this disorder. Rather, it likely arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These can include things like trauma, viral infections, and psychological stress. Some research has also suggested that people with fibromyalgia have an imbalance of certain chemicals in their brains that affect pain signals.
Fibromyalgia symptoms may come and go, or they may be constant. Many of them can benefit from massage therapy, though -- our next few sections will go over how.
Firstly, massage can be helpful in reducing the pain and fatigue that come with fibromyalgia. Many forms of massage are effective for pain relief, from Swedish massage to deep tissue techniques. This is thanks to the release of endorphins that comes with massage. These are hormones that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain signals.
It's believed that for many people who deal with fibromyalgia, stress is a key trigger for symptoms. This is one more reason why massage can be so helpful. It's been shown to lower heart rate and cortisol levels, both of which are indicators of stress. In turn, this can help keep fibromyalgia flare-ups at bay.
Another common symptom of fibromyalgia is insomnia, as patients often struggle to find a comfortable position and get enough restful sleep. Massage therapy has also been shown to be helpful here. One study found that massage led to better sleep quality in fibromyalgia patients, thanks again to the reduction of stress hormones.
Finally, massage also leads to an increase in serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter that's associated with happiness and well-being. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, so this can be helpful in keeping symptoms of fibromyalgia at bay.
At REMassage, we want to help you find the relief you need from fibromyalgia. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help or to schedule an appointment.
