Massage therapy is effective in reducing Fibromyalgia

No longer just a luxury, something to spoil yourself or a loved one with, massage therapy has come of age.

Consistent therapeutic massage by a qualified massage therapist can greatly improve quality of life for people challenged by FMS.

While it is beyond the scope of practice for massage therapists to claim they treat any syndrome or disease, studies show massage therapy is effective in reducing Fibromyalgia's symptoms. This article discusses one of these studies, and presents questions to ask when seeking a massage therapist.

Tiffany Field PhD, Director of the Touch Research Institute, is a leading researcher on the therapeutic effects of massage. In 1996, Dr. Field, along with other researchers, studied thirty female adult FMS patients ranging in age from 18 to 50 years old. These women were divided into 3 groups and received 30-minute therapy sessions twice a week.

Physicians performed assessments prior to the study, at the beginning of the study, on the first day of therapy, after the last therapy session and at the end of the study. Prior to the study, the women's tender point pressure thresholds were assessed and they answered interview questions regarding pain, sleep and daily functioning. On the day of treatment, assessments tested the immediate effects of the therapies; measuring both the subjects' current feelings of depression, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the saliva. At the end of the study, the tests were repeated.

The first group received a full-body massage therapy session for 30 minutes using moderate pressure. The second group was treated with transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), and the third had TENS therapy without current. TENS therapy consists of a therapist rolling a metal rod that sends an imperceptible micro-current over the subjects body.

Immediate Effects

Scores and cortisol levels before therapy and after the first and last sessions were as follows:

The first group who received massage therapy had lower anxiety and depressed mood scores. Salivary cortisol levels were lower after completion of the study than they were before therapy or after the first and last session. The TENS group registered lower anxiety and depressed mood scores and lower salivary cortisol levels but only after the last session. The non-current TENS group noted no changes. Longer-term Effects.

At the end of the study, the group receiving massage improved on the physician's rating of clinical condition and tender point assessment. Subjects reported fewer symptoms including less pain over the last week, decreased stiffness, less fatigue and experienced fewer nights of difficult sleeping.
The group receiving TENS improved only on the physician's assessment of the subjects' condition. The group receiving non-current TENS improved only on the physician's assessment of the subjects' condition. While the first two groups benefited from their respective therapies, it is clear that massage therapy provided more and longer-lasting results. Massage therapy enhances immune and neuro-endocrine function, decreasing cortisol and nor-epinephrine levels while increasing serotonin levels. In additional studies, sleep patterns improved. Additionally, there may be unique positive psychological effects from receiving therapeutic massage.

After deciding to add massage therapy to your health care regime, the next step is finding a qualified massage therapist. It is important to locate one who understands your condition and listens to your needs. It is completely appropriate to ask questions of your prospective massage therapist before scheduling an appointment.

Some questions to consider include the following:

What do you know about Fibromyalgia?
While finding a massage therapist with experience dealing with FMS is always a plus, you can also receive excellent care from someone recommended by a friend AND is willing to learn more about your condition. A therapist willing to do some research, ask others in the field, and take time to find out how FMS is affecting you personally, shows both motivation and concern, two attributes that make for a good massage therapist.

What is your philosophy regarding pain during a massage?

Some therapies (Rolfing or Deep Tissue) push the client's pain threshold. With FMS, pain is often already at the limit. If the therapist's response is "No pain no gain", then you may want to look elsewhere. Intense pain should never be part of a massage therapy session. The amount of pressure your massage therapist applies is completely up to you. While some depth is useful in breaking down muscle adhesions and trigger points, it should never reach the point of stress.

Typically, therapists use a pain scale from 1 (no pain at all) to 10 (intense pain). The therapeutic zone is typically between a 7 and an 8, just enough so you can feel something is being worked out, but not enough to alter your breathing. Breathing should be comfortable and the rest of your body relaxed.
Keep your massage therapist informed of the pressure that is comfortable for you before, and certainly during, your session. Remember, it is ok to allow yourself a nice, relaxing massage. Sometimes nurturing goes a long way in soothing body, mind and spirit.
What credentials, education and licensing do you have?

Credentialing and licensing varies from state to state, with some states having no requirements and others 1,000 hours of schooling. It is important to find someone who has a balance of experience and education.
The State of Utah grants licenses to therapists with at least 500 hours of training, who have passed both the National Certification Test for massage therapists and a test given by the State Board of Massage Therapy on Laws and regulations for massage therapy.

Massage therapy relaxes chronically tight muscles, improves circulation, lowers depression/anxiety levels and improves sleep patterns. Massage therapy is most effective when performed by a qualified therapist with an understanding of both Fibromyalgia and your individual needs as a client.

Dennis