Swedish massage is a massage technique that offers relaxation and helps individuals dealing with stress better by using long, flowing, and gentle strokes during the massage. With the right massage therapist by their side, Swedish massage for fibromyalgia has shown promise in helping individuals manage symptoms like chronic pain, poor sleep, and stress.
Here’s a look at how Swedish massage can offer gentle pain relief and reduce stress in individuals with fibromyalgia.
What is fibromyalgia, and why does it cause chronic, widespread pain and fatigue?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder where individuals suffer from musculoskeletal pain, which leads to the development of fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog.” The disorder affects how both the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, amplifying the perception of pain throughout the body.
Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia is yet to be recognised, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults and is more common in women than men (CDC, 2020).
The chronic pain and fatigue that individuals suffering from fibromyalgia feel are mainly thought to be a result of abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system. Research shows that people with fibromyalgia have increased levels of neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission, such as substance P, and reduced levels of natural painkillers like serotonin.
A clinical review by Daniel J Clauw also found that these individuals have pain-inhibiting pathways that may not function properly, heightening their pain sensitivity, even when the stimulus is mild.
What is Swedish massage, and how can it help fibromyalgia patients manage pain and stress?
Swedish massage has become one of the most popular massage therapy forms recently. This massage technique uses long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction, and gentle tapping to help the receiver feel relaxed. Apart from the relaxation aspect, Swedish massage also helps improve circulation and promotes overall well-being for a person. By using light to moderate pressure that can be customized to an individual’s sensitivity and comfort, the massage’s focus lies on promoting relaxation and providing muscle tension relief. This is what works in favour of individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, who are usually more sensitive to pressure.
For individuals suffering from fibromyalgia, Swedish massage can offer significant relief. The massage therapy does this by reducing stress hormones or cortisol levels, improving sleep, and decreasing muscle tension. Massage therapy has also been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, to help manage pain better.
Swedish massage can help calm the nervous system and interrupt the chronic pain-stress cycle that makes symptoms worse for fibromyalgia patients.
What are the clinically supported benefits of Swedish massage for fibromyalgia symptoms?
Swedish massage has been studied as a complementary therapy for helping manage the various symptoms of fibromyalgia. The massage technique offers a gentle and non-invasive way of dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional distress.
Fibromyalgia patients can tolerate the soothing techniques used in Swedish massage well, despite their heightened pain sensitivity. Here is a look at some clinically supported benefits of Swedish massage for fibromyalgia.
- Reduced Pain Sensitivity: According to a meta-analysis of massage therapy, since Swedish massage can help calm the central nervous system and improve circulation, it decreases the overall pain intensity.
- Improved Sleep Quality: One of the main problems individuals with Fibromyalgia face is disturbed and non-refreshing sleep. Regular massage sessions, however, are known to promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
- Decreased Stress and Anxiety: Swedish massage for fibromyalgia can help lower cortisol levels and boost the production of serotonin and dopamine, helping alleviate anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
- Reduced Fatigue: Swedish massage also helps promote better blood circulation and relaxation. This further helps reduce the fatigue that fibromyalgia patients often experience.
- Enhanced Mood and Well-Being: With better hormonal balance, Swedish massage helps reduce the symptoms of depression and improves overall emotional health in fibromyalgia patients
Is there scientific evidence that Swedish massage can ease fibromyalgia pain?
Yes, there is scientific evidence suggesting that Swedish massage can help ease fibromyalgia pain. Though more research is needed in this aspect, several studies and reviews support the use of Swedish massage as a complementary therapy to provide symptomatic relief.
A randomized controlled study by Tiffany Field et al. J Clin Rheumatol. In 2002 April found that fibromyalgia patients who received twice-weekly 30-minute massages for five weeks experienced reduced pain, improved sleep, and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Another systematic review showed that massage therapy that patients with fibromyalgia were subjected to for more than 5 weeks showed immediate improvement in pain, anxiety, and depression.
It is, however, important to understand that Swedish massage isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia. But the massage technique can undoubtedly be a helpful, low-risk way to manage fibromyalgia pain alongside other treatments.
Is Swedish massage safe for people with fibromyalgia and high pain sensitivity?
Yes, Swedish massage can be a safe and beneficial option for people with fibromyalgia, especially when performed by an experienced therapist who has worked with chronic pain conditions before.
How to find the right massage therapist for fibromyalgia care
There are several ways you can find the right massage therapist for fibromyalgia care.
- You can ask your healthcare provider, like your doctor or physical therapist, for recommendations.
- If any of your friends or family members suffer from chronic pain issues, ask them for recommendations to gain more insights.
- You can also use online platforms to explore and book appointments with qualified Swedish massage therapists.
- Make sure the therapist you choose has completed formal training from an accredited institution and has a valid practising license.
- Talk to them before booking a session and figure out if your needs align with their approach.
- Make sure they are open to receiving feedback on their treatment and open to communicating throughout the process.
Can Swedish massage be part of a holistic fibromyalgia treatment plan?
Yes, including Swedish massage as a part of a holistic fibromyalgia treatment plan can offer many benefits like pain relief, reduced muscle tension, and improved relaxation. This can help individuals deal with and manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia better.
Final thoughts: Is Swedish massage a gentle and effective option for fibromyalgia relief?
In conclusion, Swedish massage for fibromyalgia can be a gentle and effective complementary option to help manage the symptoms of the disorder more effectively. Swedish massage uses light, flowing techniques that are well-suited for individuals with heightened pain sensitivity, like those in fibromyalgia.
It is important to remember, however, that Swedish massage cannot replace medical treatments. It does offer a low-risk, non-invasive approach to providing a better quality of life for many fibromyalgia patients when it is included in a holistic pain management plan.
FAQs
Does Swedish massage really help with fibromyalgia pain?
Yes, Swedish massage can be a beneficial and safe option to help manage fibromyalgia pain, improve circulation, and provide stress relief in a non-invasive manner.
How often should I get a Swedish massage for fibromyalgia?
Regular Swedish massage for fibromyalgia, potentially weekly or bi-weekly, can help manage pain, improve mobility, and reduce muscle tension, especially if it is included in a more holistic pain management plan.
Can massage make fibromyalgia worse?
Though it is rare, sometimes massage can temporarily worsen fibromyalgia symptoms if the massage therapist uses too much pressure. This is why it is crucial to opt to go to experienced massage therapists who have treated fibromyalgia patients before.
What is the best type of massage for fibromyalgia – Swedish or deep tissue?
Since fibromyalgia patients experience more pain than other individuals, Swedish massage is a better option when compared to deep tissue massage. This is because the former uses light strokes and very little pressure while the latter uses more pressure, which could make the pain worse for patients with fibromyalgia.
Can Swedish massage improve my sleep and fatigue symptoms?
Yes. Swedish massage promotes relaxation and improved blood circulation, which can lead to better sleep and less fatigue.
Is Swedish massage covered by insurance in the United States?
While some insurance plans may offer coverage for massage therapy, including Swedish massage, it’s not a universal benefit. This coverage can vary significantly depending on the specific plan and the reason for seeking massage therapy.
