Fibromyalgia

Can massage help?

Specialized fascia-focused massage can be a supportive therapy for fibromyalgia. There is a growing body of research indicating how helpful massage can be for so many of fibromyalgia struggles, from sleep to pain to mental health. It’s important to consider the type of massage and the massage therapist’s commitment to customized massage.

Does massage benefit people with fibromyalgia?

Yes, massage has much to offer fibromyalgia patients in terms of pain relief, sleep quality, improved mood, and reduced anxiety. Massage as part of an emphasis on good self-care is frequently part of a successful treatment strategy. In fact, in some surveys of people with Fibro, a full 50% of them were using massage therapy to manage their symptoms.

Research shows bodywork for fibromyalgia lowers pain, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves sleep quality. However, not all massage styles are equal, and some are particularly beneficial for fibro, including myofascial massage and lymphatic massage.

Managing fibro pain with myofascial massage

Myofascial massage addresses the highly sensitive connective tissue network that envelopes and interweaves between each muscle and muscle fiber. Fibro patients receiving myofascial massage in research studies reported reduced anxiety levels, better quality of sleep, reduced pain, and improved quality of life. Fibromyalgia expert (and patient), Dr. Ginevra Liptan explains why fascia might be such an important site for fibro pain and how myofascial massage has been an important tool for her as she has learned to manage her symptoms.

More than 50% of people living with fibromyalgia use therapeutic massage to manage their symptoms.

Your massage needs to be customized.

People with fibromyalgia often live with chronic, invisible, widespread, and unpredictable pain. It is essential that your pain not be exacerbated by a massage that is insensitive or too aggressive. Massage needs to be responsive and dynamically adapt to your body throughout your session. For example, many people with fibro assume they need light work but actually enjoy deeper pressure when it’s done in a way that supports and responds to their body.

It’s ideal to have a massage therapist who is a skilled communicator, can listen to your story and your body, and adjusts everything from pressure to positioning to bolstering. Find a massage therapist who partners with you to get creative about how to make sure you get the support you need!

Massage can help alleviate pain, stress and anxiety.

  • No. Massage is safe and supportive for you whether you have a diagnosis or you just suspect fibromyalgia.

  • Massage should not hurt.