Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localised areas. Millions of people suffer daily from chronic aches and pains but are undiagnosed.
It is not only the physical pain of fibromyalgia that can be debilitating – fatigue, sleep disturbances, brain fog, stiffness, headaches, heightened sensory sensitivity, digestive issues, depression and anxiety are also common symptoms experienced. Symptoms can come and go, improve or get worse over time and can occur with other conditions. It can be difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2% to 4% of adults in the United States are estimated to have fibromyalgia, representing millions of people. Worldwide, estimations of the number of sufferers is difficult due to several factors such as under-diagnosis, lack of awareness, stigma, misconceptions and disparities in global healthcare access. But it is clear that many people worldwide suffer greatly from this condition and are desperately looking for an effective remedy.
Treatment for fibromyalgia can include medications, physical therapy and exercise, behavioural therapy, mindfulness based therapies, change of diet, lifestyle changes and complementary therapies.
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is gaining increasing recognition in mitigating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, all too often it has been overlooked by doctors and patients alike but its beneficial effects on the overall well-being of patients cannot be overstated.
As an example, one of the features of fibromyalgia is heightened sensitivity to touch, wherein even the gentlest pressure can evoke discomfort. Massage therapy, when performed by a skilled practitioner familiar with the intricacies of the condition, can alleviate this hypersensitivity and offer respite from the incessant pain. Through a combination of gentle strokes, kneading, and targeted pressure, massage therapy helps to soothe tense muscles, alleviate stiffness, and enhance circulation.
Massage therapy treatment for fibromyalgia can help to combat the profound fatigue that often accompanies the condition. Manipulation of muscles can induce a state of deep relaxation. This triggers the release of endorphins and promotes restorative sleep. Massage can also help to address the psychological toll exacted by fibromyalgia. The profound sense of well-being fostered during a massage session can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.
Massage therapy offers a sanctuary of compassion and understanding, wherein individuals afflicted by fibromyalgia find solace in the hands of therapists. Validation and empathy offered during a massage therapy session can be profoundly empowering, fostering mental strength in the face of adversity.
The benefits of massage therapy treatment for fibromyalgia extend far beyond the realm of mere physical relief, It offers a holistic approach to healing that encompasses the mind, body and soul.
Sufferers of fibromyalgia should strongly consider the transformative potential of massage therapy.