Studies show that Massage helps Fibromyalgia sufferers heal, increasing their state of well-being.  The touch of massage conveys to the fibromyalgia sufferer a sense of caring, an important element in the healing process.  Studies at the Touch Research Institute, at the University of Miami indicate that people with fibromyalgia receiving massages for 30 minutes,  2 times a week, for 5 weeks had less anxiety, depression and lower levels of stress hormones.  Patients with FIBROMYALGIA reported less chronic pain and fibromyalgia  fatigue, stiffness and sleeplessness.

Sore, achy muscles can often be caused by a build up of  lactic acid (waste products) in the muscle causing stiffness, soreness, muscle spasms and pain, contributing to fibromyalgia chronic pain and fatigue. Massage can improve circulation, increasing blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues.  Massage improves fibromyalgia chronic pain and fatigue by eliminating lactic acid, and increasing the production of particular pain blockers counteracting pain signals sent by the brain.  Learn more about massage for fibromyalgia chronic pain and fatigue, it has been incorporated into many health systems  as a complementary therapy.

What  Are The Different Types of Massage Therapy and Bodywork?
There are over 80 different types of Massage Therapy and bodywork.  Many are variations on each other, often developed by a practitioner who is trained in one particular approach and then goes on to develop his or her own variety, with its own new “brand name". Most varieties can be broken down into 5 broad categories:

1.  Traditional European Massage

2.  Contemporary Western Massage

3.  Structural/Functional/Movement Integration

4.  Oriental Methods

5.  Energetic Methods (Non-Oriental)

What  Are The Strengths And Limitations Of The Profession?
Massage Therapy and bodywork obviously have very broad, diverse ranges of applications. Essentially, they support any health condition that would benefit from greater blood circulation and the release of tension, such as fibromyalgia.  Psychological conditions are also affected beneficially, as the physiological changes that occur with these kinds of intervention help harmonize and rebalance the Nervous and Hormonal Systems.

The contra-indications to massage or bodywork are few and may include transmittable skin diseases, unhealed wounds, post-operative conditions, and blood clots.  In many cases, of course, the therapist can avoid problem areas in the body, assuming the practitioner is made aware of the underlying condition.

What Is The Relationship of MT with Other Forms Of Health Care?
Massage Therapy modalities tend to be highly complementary to all other medical traditions.  The therapy can enhance the effectiveness of other forms of treatment by inducing relaxation, promoting circulation, benefiting other common health benefits. 

In the next section we will explore Osteopathy for Fibromyalgia Chronic Pain and Fatigue.