Fibromyalgia Massage

I found a lady in my area who does medical massages and I'm going to try this on Saturday. My biggest problem area is the Sacroiliac joint but I hardly ever get back pain...however, my thighs and butt always hurt to some extent.

Anyway...wish me luck!

I've gone to several massage therapists and my recent one has helped me more than any of the others, she's a neuromuscular massage therapist.

Good luck.

Thanks, I will let you all know how it goes. The lady does neuromuscular massage as well, but she developed a specific one for Fibro. I wonder what the differences are...if any.

BTW - I read something regarding Fibromyalgia and postural changes that was interesting on this site: http://abarnabas.tripod.com/indexfibrosymptoms.html

It read like this: "Postural Changes: shoulders hunched forward or rounded, head thrust forward with neck kinked forward, chest sunken, low back pushed forward causing abdomen to protrude, knees locked, muscles in back of thighs flexed - all a mechanism to find a comfortable position."

I see a neuromuscular massage therapist once a month and wish I could afford to see her more often. It really helps my fibro.

I have sacroiliitis and she doesn't go near that joint...and I wouldn't let her, either. I had back and leg pain so badly last year that I almost could not walk. I saw a rheumatologist and was put on anti-inflammatories and a muscle relaxer and now I do not have the sacroiliac problems.

Sherrine

I won't have a deep massage. The gentle massages do a world of good for me...but I have a really good MT that knows what she is doing. That makes a difference. From what I understand, fibro patients should not have a deep massage.

Sherrine

Acheybody, I know what you mean..I felt the same way. Like they were describing me to a T. The worse part is no matter how hard I try to hold proper posture, my body naturally falls into these very unnatural positions. Like last night for example...I fell asleep on my back and was trying to just lay there comfortably. Next thing I know, I'm waking up in the middle of the night no longer on my back but twisted to the side and I was even making a fist...WITH my arm raised up in the air!! How is this even possible?? I woke up because the arm was starting to go numb.

Unbelievable...

That's a strange way to wake up, Liz! Funny you should mention a fist - I find that my left hand (that whole side is chronically screwed-up) will often be in a rather tight fist, even when the rest of my body is "relaxed." ~ sigh ~ I have to consiously will it to loosen up.

AM, I always go to sleep in the position you do, on my right side (the only one I can lie on) with a long pillow between my knees and feet, and another between my forearms...as you said, for proper alignment. It's comfortable - at least at the time. But so often, I'll wake up on my back, even though I've propped pillows behind me to keep that from happening. ??

Debbie

Hi all,

Well, I'm happy to say I'm completely pain-free from my hips down for the time being. I was skeptical but she did a great job!

When I arrived at the massage place this afternoon, it was in a questionable part of town and the building seemed almost empty except for a lonely little chiropractic office in the corner. I was like...okay...her rates were rather cheap...you get what you pay for? Next the lady greets me with greasy hands (she was finishing up her previous massage and I guess she was in a hurry to get the door) but once she sat down and asked me a series of questions pertaining to my fibro symptoms, that's when I was put at ease and realized she was very knowledgeable.

The massage table was small, but turned out it doubled as a chiropractic table with built in percussion and traction! She gives you 10 minutes of those at the end with heating pads...which was a great way to end the massage.

The 35 minute massage consisted of a combination of neuromuscular, trigger point, and myofascial release (what she calls the Fibro Massage). She worked mostly the sacroilliac area, the thighs, and the shoulders.

Prior to going there I was in class for 3 hours and could barely sit any longer. My hips, butt, and middle back were hurting all the time...plus the buzzing sound in my legs. about an hour post-massage, no more pain. My lower back and legs have been feeling light as air! And my general mood is so much better. I will hold on to this feeling for as long as it lasts....the entire therapy of 45 minutes for only $30 and if I do a series of 10 sessions, she drops it down to $25. Best price in town for sure!

-Liz

I can't help but stretch...I did many years of ballet when I was younger and its just a daily habit. I wake up stretching and go to sleep stretching. When my back hurts I stretch it...even in public. I guess it helps to some degree and keeps me from completely locking up, but its getting harder to avoid the tightness. I don't have access to a pool these days but yes, pools help me as well. I'm thinking of hitting of the beach as soon as it stops raining though. Just go and relax...

So far warmth and deep relaxation (with my bare feet on the ground) are the only things that ease the tightness. Although I gotta say, this massage was a major release for my lower back muscles. I've been active all day and still no pain. Tired, though. Will be heading to bed soon. I don't want to undo the goodness so soon.

The only annoying part is that despite how nice and relaxed my lower half feels, I STILL feel the buzzing in my legs and even my abdomen!!! Whats with this electrical buzzing???

-Liz

I'm so glad it helped you! That definitely sounds like a great deal, too, price-wise!

I searched around for the word 'Ceragem' - very pleased that there is a post about it on these boards.

I know the feeling about not being able to get out - but surprisingly, the Ceragem is pretty good on our backs. It's like an acupressure - chiropractor - and a masseuse, all rolled into one. The spinal roller that goes up and down your back is computerized and measures your length so that the blood circulation is effective and efficient. There was a Ceragem center close to me but they were offering a 2 week trial with a $50 deposit to use the Ceragem machine in my home. It's nice - I am on day 5 so far. They have 9 different levels which is mainly for blood circulation but helps with deep sleep, relaxation, and general back problems.

I use a heated mat as well that is made with microfibers that attract far infrared rays and negative ions called the Biomat. The heat isn't close to comparable to other "warm" pads. the Biomat goes through the bones and though I admit, I had a detox effect - probably from all previous toxins built up and BigPharma for 10+ years - I would recommend completely. I can have intense lupus arthritis and not be able to grasp anything with a hand, sleep overnight at the nearly highest heat level, and be completely mobile the next morning. The only con I'd say, is that I sweat out a lot, so showers and getting ready needs to have that time included in your day.

Ps, liz..that price is really good!

Hi,
Deep massage might not be good for everybody who has fibro. Some might tolerate it others like me might not. The first and only time I had a deep tissue massage I ended up throwing up later after. So Achebody don't be too sad you can't do it.
Best