Portland Fibromyalgia Massage Therapist – Massage for Fibromyalgia

Portland Fibromyalgia Massage Therapist, at Holistic Portland Massage

Fibromyalgia refers to a condition of unknown origin that induces widespread muscular and joint pain.  This pain also emanates from tendons and ligaments.  This muscular pain is often accompanied by the inability to sleep soundly as well as feelings of exhaustion.  The term fibromyalgia is a relatively recent one.  The condition used to be known as soft tissue rheumatism, fibrositis and non-articular rheumatism.
It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects 4% of all people.  Women are four times as likely to get fibromyalgia as men.  It is most common amongst women and men over 50 years old.  As people age, they’re more likely to get fibromyalgia.  Here’s a list of symptoms associated with the condition:

  • Stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints
  • Total body pains
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Muscle and joint numbness
  • Memory failure
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Tension headaches
  • Migraine headaches
  • Depression
  • temperomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
  • Dryness of the eyes
  • Shivering and the inability to withstand cold temperatures
  • Sensitivities to foods, medicines and allergens
  • Irritable bowel and bladder

Looking at this list of symptoms, it is clear that fibromyalgia is a serious condition that demands regular and effective treatment.  Massage therapy techniques, applied by a licensed massage therapist (LMT), are greatly instrumental in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms.  Massage for fibromyalgia enhances the health of the entire receiving organism in a holistic fashion.  By increasing the circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients are more efficiently delivered throughout all of the systems of the body.

When people have fibromyalgia, they hurt.  When they hurt, they avoid physical activity.  When they avoid physical activity, their muscles weaken which accentuates the cycle.  When you add to that the fact that they often can’t sleep at night, it’s easy to see why many sufferers have a hard time enjoying any of life’s activities.  The inability to participate in life can lead to an onset of depression.  It can be a frustrating, vicious cycle, and you need to do as much as you can to fight back and live a healthy and balanced life.

Benefits of Fibromyalgia Massage

Massage therapy techniques are designed and implemented specifically to increase the well being of the clients.  Take a look at this a list of just some of the miraculous benefits that directly result from regular massage:

  • Increased blood flow that brings about increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to cellular structures throughout the body
  • Alleviation of pain in the muscles and joints
  • Accelerated healing of sore muscles, tendons and ligaments
  • The release of stress-related tension
  • Allows the brain to escape the worries and stressors of everyday life
  • Puts the mind in touch with the body on both physical and emotional levels
  • Induces relaxation and peacefulness
  • Enhances digestive ability
  • Increases serotonin levels
  • Decreases the release of disease-causing, stress-related hormones

Helpful Fibromyalgia Tips

  • A gentle exercise regimen can help.  Try yoga, pilates, or regular stretching.
  • Be sure to drink adequate water (8-10 glasses a day)
  • Some evidence suggests Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil supplements) might help naturally reduce cellular inflammation
  • Make your relaxation and well-being a priority.  Of course a regular massage can help you relax, and offers several other health benefits.
  • If you have severe symptoms, please see your physician.  Your body needs adequate rest, and if you aren’t sleeping you can become chronically exhausted.

Unfortunately, there is no known cause or cure for fibromyalgia.  However, many leading world health organizations are in agreement that as much as 80% of all diseases are stress-related.  They all agree that an effective pain management strategy is the best course of action for dealing with symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Massage therapy increases your well being.  An increase in your well being results in decreased stress levels.  You have to take control of your fibromyalgia symptoms.  Take the first step in getting back control of your own life today.

Appointment for Portland Fibromyalgia Massage

Contact Jonathan Prue, LMT at Holistic Portland Massage for a relaxing massage for fibromyalgia.   You can book online, or call 503-753-2233 if you have any questions about fibromyalgia massage and what to expect.  Be sure to tell Jonathan that you have fibromyalgia, and communicate about the level of pressure that is comfortable for you.  There is nothing wrong with asking for more or less pressure to fine tune the massage to what your body signals are telling you.

Helpful Fibromyalgia Links

Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

Fibromyalgia Network
http://www.fmnetnews.com/basics-symptoms.php