By: Heidi Wu, RMT

Massage therapy is excellent for stress management and relaxation. The Arthritis Society of Canada and North America has also found massage to be useful in managing fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a painful non-articular rheumatic condition characterized by widespread muscular achiness, multiple tender points on the body, poor sleep and pain.

Causes of fibromyalgia are not clear but there seems to be connections with the imbalance of the immune system and a genetic predisposition which causes the nervous and endocrine systems to have dysfunction.

Massage treatments may help to reduce stress level and pain in those suffering with fibromyalgia as well as help with overall improvement of a person‘s health. A massage therapist uses various techniques and modalities to relax the person’s body and mind, increase oxygen in body cells、improve circulation and mobilize joints and fascia throughout the body.

Here are few of the self care techniques to manage fibromyalgia:

• Use heat on sore and achy area to decrease tension and relax the body.
• Diaphragmatic breathing and meditation increases body awareness and helps focus on positive energy flowing throughout the body.
• Do self massage to the abdomen with an oil enriched with essential oils such as lavender to assist in relaxation.
• Excercise daily, and include stretching and strengthening as well as gentle to moderate aerobic activity to increase stamina. Walking and swimming are both gentle and helpful for the body.

Remember to always consult your doctor and therapist before you begin a new exercise regimen.