Fibromyalgia can be a real pain! Those who suffer from this syndrome
know that this statement is meant to be taken literally. "Fibro" means
pertaining to connective tissue fiber and "myalgia" means pain in a muscle.
So, what it means to have fibromyalgia is to have variable aches, pains,
tenderness and stiffness that is not specifically related to joints or bones
but limited to soft tissue areas, fibrous or muscular. The list of symptoms
is quite endless and each person is unique in the way they are affected.

Since fibromyalgia is really a form of muscular and soft tissue
rheumatism, regular massage is very beneficial. Massage can address many of
the aches and pains that are generally associated with fibromyalgia from
headaches, facial pain, to general muscle tension.

Massage will relieve stress and anxiety, both of which exacerbate the
symptoms of fibromyalgia. Depression can accompany fibromyalgia as a
secondary symptom and massage therapy has been shown to reduce depression
and improve your state of mind. Since many people with fibromyalgia
experience insomnia their pain and symptoms get worse because they do not
receive the proper amount of sleep their bodies need to heal. Massage
increases the level of serotonin, the body's natural sleep hormone. This
can help to combat any sleeplessness that you may be experiencing.

Fibromyalgia affects each person in a different way. Therapies should
be tailored to the individuals unique body situation. This particular type
of health condition requires flexibility in treatments because conditions
can change on a daily basis. Sometimes a deep therapy is appropriate, while
other times a more gentle lymphatic massage or energy work such as a Reiki
treatment would be more beneficial.

Though Fibromyalgia is not life threatening, it can change the quality
of life. Massage can help relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia
making daily life much more enjoyable. Done on a regular basis, massage can
help to increase the number of good days for those with fibromyalgia
syndrome. Massage can change our lives for the better.