The Australian Collaboration Project for Fibromyalgia defines fibromyalgia as
‘long standing widespread body pain involving the muscles, ligaments, tendons and surrounding structures without any obvious tissue damage’.
For diagnostic purposes, at least 11 of 18 pairs of specific tender points throughout the body are also identified – these points cluster around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee and elbow areas.
The symptoms of Fibromyalgia will be different for different people, but generally one of the more may be experienced:
- Widespread pain throughout the body, including at the specific 18 tender points, but also variably in muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints
- Restless leg syndrome and muscle cramps
- Fatigue and non-restorative sleep
- Headaches and migraines
- Mood and cognitive issues including anxiety, depression, dizziness
- Other systemic problems that can hit the digestive, urinary, immune & reproductive systems
- Swelling and oedema in the extremities
- Sensitivities to light, sound and smells
Massage treatments for one living with Fibromyalgia aim to work not only on physical symptoms, but also on the emotional effects. Stress and anxiety levels can be reduced, as can feelings of depression and length and/or quality of sleep can be increased. Physically, muscle aches and pains can be treated, with the added benefits of reducing subsequent symptoms such as headaches.
Massage treatments for sufferers of Fibromyalgia can include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing exercises to enhance a state of relaxation and to assist with pain relief. Correct deep breathing techniques can also help to correct muscular dysfunction
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage can help boost the immune system, helping the body recover more quickly from infections and speed up removal of toxins. It is also extremely beneficial in treating swelling of the extremities and oedema.
- Gentle assisted stretching and mobilisation to increase/maintain good range of motion in joints effected by muscle tension and sensitivity, especially around the neck area
- Soothing Swedish Massage techniques to relax the muscles and decrease pain levels
- Deeper massage techniques can be used to reduce tenderness caused by ‘knots’ and painful muscle contraction
- Hydrotherapy (either heat or cold) may be used to relax and warm the muscles, or cool areas of acute tenderness
- Aromatherapy – essential oils can assist in the relief of pain and in relaxation and calming of the mind and body, specifically chamomile, lavender, marjoram and rosemary.
Penny is one of our Remedial Massage Therapists, and has specific knowledge of the issues that go along with dealing with Fibromyalgia from a pain management perspective – from the recognition of the specific tender points throughout the body that help to set Fibromyalgia apart from other pain conditions, through to the need to balance treatments between addressing key areas of pain while working within very changeable pain thresholds with each client.
Penny’s initial experiences with Remedial Massage were from a personal perspective – watching a family member deal with a chronic illness that caused pain and trauma, and seeing first-hand the benefits that massage can have not only on the physical body, but also on an emotional and energetic level. While studying, she focused whole-heartedly on learning as much as possible about working with people with chronic illness, finding techniques that relieve pain and make daily life that bit easier. Penny combines remedial techniques with visualization and other calming techniques to provide a truly holistic treatment.
Penny is a fully qualified Remedial Therapist and her treatments can be claimed under private health insurance (Extras) cover.
