How Is Massage Therapy Beneficial To Those Who Suffer From Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that causes those who have it to suffer from pain in the joints and muscles that spreads throughout the body and chronic fatigue. This condition often causes mild to severe depression as well. Fortunately, some who have fibromyalgia have been able to get noticeable relief through regular treatments of massage therapy. These are some of the ways that massage therapy is beneficial to those who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Loosening Up the Muscles & Joints

The chronic pain that occurs with fibromyalgia is often made worse by the muscles staying tense and tight. Massage therapy loosens those muscles, and this can decrease the widespread pain substantially.

Those who have fibromyalgia also may have trouble with joint movement as well. Massage therapy helps make joints more flexible when treatments are given on a regular basis. Loosening up the joints and muscles also relieves stress on the body, which greatly reduces pain.

Improving the Mood

The struggle with chronic pain that fibromyalgia patients deal with tends to have an extremely negative effect on their mood. This is why many who have fibromyalgia are also diagnosed with depression.

As the pain is reduced through massage therapy, the patient is more able to relax. This improves their mood and helps stop the symptoms of depression as well. If massage therapy treatments can be received on a regular basis, the patient may no longer suffer from depression.

Improving the Quality of Sleep

Many who suffer from fibromyalgia also have issues with getting enough rest. Their widespread pain may wake them throughout the night and this can lead to chronic fatigue. However, massage treatments can enable fibromyalgia sufferers to relax more and this may help improve their quality of sleep.

Releasing Natural Pain Relievers

The techniques used during massage therapy help release the body's own natural pain relievers. As the muscles and joints are manipulated, endorphins are released throughout the body, and this blocks pain signals from reaching the brain.

While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, massage therapy has helped many who have been diagnosed with it to manage their pain more easily. By combining massage therapy with light exercise and regular physician visits, some patients have been able to greatly improve how they feel without taking prescription medications. Be sure to talk to your physician to see if he or she recommends massage therapy as part of your fibromyalgia treatment plan.