Treating Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition expressed in widespread pain over the entire body coupled with fatigue and sleep disorders. It effects approximately 7 million Americans and is more frequent in women than men. The cause is mostly unknown and no absolute cure exists, so many FM sufferers seek alternative modalities in search of relief. Massage is an effective method of pain management and can increase the quality of life for those suffering from FM.
Some researchers believe that fibromyalgia is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory condition muscles and fascia called Fibromyositis. This is the pathological buildup of hypertonus in muscles over a prolonged period of time, that can be triggered by post-traumatic phenomena, stress, sleep disorders, hormonal changes, and many other factors.
Fascia surrounds and is in every muscle. It plays an important role in the determination of the extent of muscle stretch and contraction. Fascia also provides pathways for nerves and blood vessels. In cases of FM, fascia becomes tense causing compression of muscle fibers, nerve tissue and blood vessels. This initiates and can lead to the development of fibromyositis. The condition of constant muscle tension in FM cases creates an overload (strain) on muscles and tendons. Strain always leads to the development of inflammation. Inflammation leads to the pain/spasm cycle where the body responds to pain by spamsimg that inflicts more pain. It can become a infinite broken record unless measures are taken to break the cycle.
Learn more froma very comprehensive article on massagetherapy.com: Treating Fibromyalgia - Massage Therapy as a Beneficial Tool.