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Massage and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia

General Benefits of Massage

  • There is evidence of physical, psychological and physiological benefits of massage.
  • Physical contact with skin and muscle and fascia can loosen and soften stiff muscles.
  • Massage may improve the immune system.
  • Massage can assist the body to release certain chemicals to help with relaxation, improve blood circulation and get rid of toxic substances which build up in our bodies and muscles as they work.
  • Many people who receive massage feel better taken care of because of the touch and nurturing involved in respectful massage.

Massage and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Massage can assist with this condition by:

  • Stimulating the relaxation response
  • Cleansing tissue
  • Stimulating circulation when exercise is too much to handle.
  • Relieving muscle tension and joint pain ~ Improving sleep ~ Studies have shown a decrease in anxiety, & better sleep, in people with CFS who receive massage. (Werner R, 2005, p 365)

Massage and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

  • This condition is characterised by pain. Constant body-wide ache is a hallmark of the condition.
  • People with this disease are easy to over-treat and are likely to be hypersensitive.
  • Research shows that massage is effective in reducing reported levels of pain, anxiety and depression for people with FM. The relaxation response and toxin flushing are best achieved a little at a time. (Werner R, 2005, p 69)

Types of massage?

  • A Remedial Massage therapist will know some safe and gentle techniques to use for CFS/FM.
  • Myofascial Release and gentle Swedish massage techniques are suitable for clients with these conditions.
  • The length of time should be over 40 minutes to achieve the relaxation
    response. However, the massage practitioner should be very aware of how easy it is to over-treat clients with these conditions. Make sure you give feedback to your therapist about how the massage went.

What sort of practitioner?
When choosing a massage therapist, some questions you can ask are:

  • Do you have insurance? Public liability and malpractice insurance?
  • Are you a registered practitioner with Health Funds?
  • Are you a member of an association?
  • What qualifications do you have?

References:
1. www.x-plain.com
2. Werner R, 2005, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, Lippincott
Williams and Wilkins, Sydney

Written by Rhonda Hunt, Remedial Massage Therapist, October 2007 - from her talk at our September meeting.

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