How would you give a fibromyalgia massage ?

I'm learning to be a massage therapist and would like to know the correct way to give a fibromyalgia massage.My textbook isn't very helpful.Any Lmt's out there that could give me a little info? thx

I would suggest that you look into the Tragger method of massage. It is a VERY gentle non invasive method of massage. People with Fibromyalgia are VERY sensitive to pain and stimuli all over their bodies and respond with all levels of pain from severe to mild but can become very "jumpy" to any force-full method of massage. SO the best way to attend to these patients is with a very gentle, non invasive massage. Very little pressure, but get a good rhythm going and work your way around all of the body concentrating on the arms, shoulders, back and legs. This is coming from experience as I have Fibromyalgia and have received massage therapy over the years that has been beneficial although not healing, just moments of great relief. Best of luck!

Having fibromyalgia is a condition that varies in its effect on each person. Some people experience debilitating pain, while others are simply aware of the condition and have episodes of pain on limited occasions.(these times are called "flares")

There is no "correct" way to give a massage to someone with fibromyalgia. The client should be able to tell you where the pain is most bothersome, and focusing on those areas with a level of massage according to his/her level of comfort will relieve the tightness in those muscles.. Your further recommendation to the client should be to drink a lots of water to help flush out the lactic acid caught in their muscles and continue to stretch their muscles with gentle exercise, such as yoga. hope this helps. K

Fibro is my specialty. I also have Fibro, so I understand the pain that my clients feel. Memorize the trigger points for Fibro. Be aware that sometimes, there is no pain -- at first. Then, suddenly, your client is burning with pain. Yes, I said burning. The pain that Fibro people feel is similiar to a burning knife sticking in that point. Even the lightest touch will feel that way.

When beginning to massage, communication is important. Tell the client that you will not be able to feel the pain, so they must tell you immediately if something becomes painful, otherwise you will continue to massage that area until you feel it is completely worked. And remind your clients that pain not something you want them to experience. Remind them, again, that they must tell you so that you can change your techniques or to move away from that point to give the body a chance to rest. This approach has worked tremendously for me and my clients.

Second, hot stone massage works great for Fibro patients. The heat warms the body greatly, providing stress relief and relaxation in a deep way for these types of clients. You can glide the stones, changing them often, as continual heat works best for these clients. (as opposed to just placing hot stones on key points.) When you get to the muscle belly, you can apply a bit more pressure, and then lighten up your pressure when you get to the end of the muscle where there is more ligament, tendon and bone. This area is painful for a hot stone if you apply pressure here.

Third, I have many clients with Fibro approach me asking for a Deep Tissue massage. IMO and experience, this is not best for Fibro clients. Usually, they cannot handle the pressure of DT during a flare-up. Again, communication is a must here. Some will insist on having DT, so to make them feel better at getting what they ask for, I will apply DT to their backs, feet and hands.

I always finish with CranioSacral Therapy for at least 5-10 minutes. Please attend a seminar approved by the Upledger Institute for this, as IMHO, I feel that this is the best learning for CST, instead of in Massage School.