The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage for Fibromyalgia Patients

 What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that often goes undiagnosed for many years. The patient is usually suffering for years without knowing what’s causing the pain and fatigue and what they can do to improve their health. This will obviously have a huge impact on not only their physical wellbeing but also their emotional wellbeing.

Fibromyalgia is considered a chronic condition that goes through periods of painful and debilitating flare-ups and remission. Each sufferer is individual in their triggers and levels of pain and fatigue when flared and over time will get to know what triggers and best treatments.

Self Care Options for Fibromyalgia

Overall self-care for the “Fibro” sufferer is paramount. Diet, of course, is an important consideration, keeping the diet as alkaline as possible and removing as much processed foods from the diet will prevent flare-ups in the long term. Excessive alcohol consumption will contribute to “Fibro Flares”. Again, for each person the level of alcohol consumption will vary, it may be not even a little can be tolerated by an individual.

Adequate sleep, rest and relaxation are essential. Particularly after a busy or stressful day. Over the years a “Fibro” sufferer will get to know their limits. Even if it’s an activity that brings them happiness, maybe a long bushwalk. If it’s too long or physically strenuous this may trigger a “Fibro Flare”. Learning to have boundaries with emotionally stressful situations is also important. This can’t always be avoided, particularly in a professional situation, however having an emotional health recovery plan can be extremely beneficial. This could include meditation, a magnesium bath or using essential oils.

Hot stone massage has terrific benefits for sufferers of fibromyalgia.

What Triggers a Flare-Up?

There are, of course, factors that are out of our control that can’t be avoided. Such as the weather, chemicals that may be present in our environment or seasonal changes. Like with all triggers though, the sufferer will get to now these and ideally have a plan to minimise the damage and restore health.

Massage and Fibromyalgia

In my experience of working with “Fibro” clients, regular hot stone massage is beneficial in treating the pain and symptoms of flares as well as strengthening the body and mind to prevent the flare’s frequency.

In my early days as a massage therapist, I had “Fibro” clients come to me desperate for some relief. As we both found out, regular massage, unfortunately, made things worse. Obviously, this will work for some, but in my personal experience, it did not. So for a long time if I had enquiries from a “Fibro” client I would suggest they try another form of bodywork.

When I became a hot stone massage practitioner I learned of the benefits “Fibro” clients could gain from this form of gentle massage. Utilising the heat from the stones and gentle massage techniques, deep muscle relaxation was able to be realised. The heat and increased circulation have a positive effect on body, mind and spirit. It promotes muscle relaxation and tissue repair, improves immune function and helps fight adrenal fatigue by soothing the nervous system and improving sleep routines.

Want to Know More About Massage and Fibromyalgia?

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