Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a type of muscular rheumatism.  The defining features as described by the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria include pain (from light pressure) in at least 11 of 18 specified tender points.  The tender points coincide with prominent tendon attachment points.  Pain in fibromyalgia is in all four quadrants of the body.  Joint inflammation is generally not observable in fibromyalgia and blood tests for inflammatory changes are usually negative.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (known also as FM or FMS) literally means “muscle fibre pain” and is a common condition.

Though the cause is unknown, fibromyalgia is taking over people’s lives quicker than anyone can treat it.

Fibromyalgia is a common rheumatic condition that consists of widespread pain or aching, persistent fatigue, sleep disorders and generalised morning stiffness.

The muscles themselves are not weak; also there is no sign of inflammation or disease.

Fibromyalgia can be improved with stretching exercises, applications of heat and/or gentle massage, even taking anti-inflammatory drugs and in some cases; antidepressants.

Fibromyalgia is very common in the neck, shoulders, legs and hip joints.

Massage can help relieve the pain in these areas. Gentle stretching and light trigger point massage is effective, whilst deep tissue can increase pain. We can still perform a remedial massage for you, but in certain areas a more gentle massage will be require to assist in the healing of fibromyalgia.