Massage and Reflexology of Delaware

Those who suffer for debilitating effects of fibromyalgia face a constant challenge-how can the painful symptoms be minimized? With an estimated3 to 6 million fibromyalgia sufferers in the United States today, there ia a steadily growing segment of out population that is seeking relief. Many sufferers have lived with the disease for over 7 years before a diagnosis was made.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you know that one of the biggest challenges is reducing the incessant aches that settle in the muscles, tendons, and joints throughout the body. Just getting a good night’s sleep becomes a daily dilemma.

Understanding the physiological effects of fibromyalgia on the body will help you to appreciate why massage therapy can be an effective treatment. A major complaint of fibromyalgia sufferers is the chronic aching primarilary associated with the muscles. It is believed that stress related with the condition contributes to the increased tension in the muscles that in turn leads to this persistent pain.

Whenever a muscle is used- whether it is for work of from worry- it increases its tone (the degree of firmness or tension in the tissue). If this increased tone is sustains, it places certain demands on the muscle. When he muscle is held in this tensed position, it increases its need for oxygen, and subsequently, a need for more blood flow. In its current state, the muscle may not be capable of receiving this increased oxygen, which then manifests as aches and pain.

Additionally, the muscle may now have a much harder time disposing of its cellular wastes, which can exacerbate the painful condition. This is the beginning of a cycleof pain – increased muscular tension- pain that makes living with fibromyalgia such a challenge.

Since the muscles are now in a near constant state of increased tone, they begin to adapt to this new condition by changing structurally, developing areas of fibrous tissue. This leads to the affected muscles pulling on tendons- the tough tissue that joins the muscle to the bone. The tendons now experience the same cycle lack of oxygen, pain and change in structure at the muscles.

This constant condition of increased tone in the muscles burn a great amount of energy which helps to explain that steady fatigue that plagues most fibromyalgia sufferers.

Muscles in the body have opposing muscles. For example, one set of muscles contracts to bend your arm and an opposing set of muscles contracts to return it to a straight position. When certain muscles begin to undergo the changes described above, it can have an adverse effect on their opposing, muscle groups. While one muscle stays tense, the opposite muscle will grow weak, causing muscular imbalances throughout the body. These imbalances can contribute to a lack of coordination and uneven wear and tear on the joints.

You can see how these debilitating cycles can affect a fibromyalgia sufferer and worsen over time. Now, take a look at how regular massage sessions can help to bring relief.

When you receive a massage, it helps your body to function more optimally. For instance, those tense muscles are helped to relax and for a time return to a more normal state. Muscular release is the first step towards calming the mind and can help to reduce the body’s wasting of energy.

The flowing strokes of massage help to increase circulation that in turn carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your system and can aid in the removal of cellular waste and toxins.

Massage tends to bring a body into a more balanced, natural state, If you have fibromyalgia, this equates to a period of welcome relief.

What About Results?

A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute, Miami School of Medicine, in 1994 showed fibromyalgia responds well to massage. A portion of the study group received 30 minute massages twice a week for five weeks. The rheumatologist that evaluated the results determined that only the group receiving regular massage experienced decreased pain, fatigue, stiffness and improvements in the quality of sleep.

If you or a loved one, or an acquaintance have fibromyalgia, you should schedule a massage session to see for yourself how it can help.

Conditions and Symptoms Associated with Fibromyalgia

• Balance Problems
• Chronic Fatigue
• Cold Extremities
• Depression
• Frequent Urination
• Headaches
• Impaired memory
• Muscle aches
• Muscle twitching
• Sleep disorders

Filed under: Health, Massage, Pain Management on March 11th, 2008