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Who can Afford Daily Massage?

© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)

How many of those of us with fibromyalgia can afford to see a massage therapist once a week? Massage options include Swedish massage, trigger-point therapy, sports massage, and aromatherapy massage. A good massage has been shown to reduce stress and boost energy. Massage increases blood flow, which helps to remove the pain-causing lactic acid build up in our bodies. It reduces muscle tightness, and prompts the release of endorphins, which aid in the reduction of our pain. A muscle in a state of sustained tension is working, thus its need for nutrition and oxygen is high. At the same time, the sustained contraction reduces circulation in the area by squeezing the small arteries and capillaries which give the working cells fuel and oxygen. The contracting muscles produce increased waste products and demand increased nutrients from capillaries that are less and less able to handle them.

So, how are those of us with fibromyalgia able to afford the expertise of a good massage therapist on a regular basis? Even if we have family members or friends who are willing to give us a massage, it doesn't mean that they are qualified to do a proper massage. And how many of them will be willing to give us a weekly massage for an hour, even if they can help us to relax our muscles in a proper manner?

The Massage Therapists Association of B.C., Canada has reported that daily massages reduced the pain and stiffness of people with fibromyalgia. So, how are those of us with fibromyalgia going to be able to afford and actually get a daily massage?

One option is for us to do self-massage. However, sometimes it is painful for our hands and arms, so a light, soft, stroking touch may be all that we can do. It can be effective in releasing tension in the muscles of our faces and head, but during a flare, most of us don't want any part of our bodies touched. Once a flare has settled down, a gentle massage can release the tension of tight muscles.

The trigger points of myofascial pain syndrome generally affect almost all of us with fibromyalgia, but trigger points are not a part of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia may trigger myofascial pain syndrome. Acute pain from FMS creates a muscle contraction, a "guarding" around the tender points. This impairs circulation and neural transmission through the area. This effects not only the muscles, but the surrounding organs. When trigger points are pressed, they refer pain to another area of the body, while the tender points are painful when touched, but do not refer the pain elsewhere.

The copyright of the article Who can Afford Daily Massage? in Fibromyalgia is owned by Cynthia Webber (Jausten). Permission to republish Who can Afford Daily Massage? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.