First and foremost it is very important that there is a clear diagnosis of the problem. You should also notify your doctor or specialist that you are trying to get a massage therapy or get a massage chair.
Let’s take a quick look:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that manifests pain over almost the entire body or just certain parts of it. It may also come with fatigue, aches, sleep disorder and joint stiffness. What makes it worse is that you don’t get to do the normal things you love because either you lack the energy or suffering from the pain.
In America alone, an estimate of almost 6 million suffer from it and the number is steadily increasing. Its occurrence is predominantly on women and hormones is said to be a factor as it affects how they feel pain.
Massage Therapy as Treatment
Massage is known to help in a lot of health problems especially body aches and pains and this includes Fibromyalgia. The American Massage Therapy Association states that it is a significant contribution to the whole treatment plan for the disorder.
It promotes circulation and results to prober flow of oxygen and elimination of toxic waste products in our body. It also helps release the body of its natural pain killers — Endorphins.
Other benefits include:
- Alleviates pain
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves sleep
- Reduces stiffness and tender point pain
- Increases Serotonin level
- Better quality of life
- Decreases anxiety and depression
- Decreases circulating stress hormone
For some, the first few sessions may result to aggravate the pain. This is because the body is sensitive to touch and still reacting to the flow of oxygen and nutrients . Some patients report that they start noticing the significant positive effects after 10 sessions. But if there is still pain or it gets really worse, you should stop the therapy and visit your doctor immediately.
We highly suggest that you go for one session every 4 days in the first 10 sessions and go for longer intervals after that. The therapist must also focus on the regions where the sharp pain is really high such as in the neck or the lower back or upper back but should also include a full-body massage treatment. It is very important that you have an open line of communication with your therapist and you should inform him or her when you are in pain or uncomfortable.
It is believed that one of the main causes of FM is the excessive formation of lactic acid in our muscles but this can be resolved with regular massages to help release and relax the muscle. However, going to parlors and spas can be time-consuming and even expensive. That’s why you should consider that you try out getting a robotic chair or any other similar portable device.
To know if massage does more harm than good for you, visit your local massage therapist. Tell him or her about your condition and that you just want to try how a therapy affects you. Make sure that you visit a certified masseuse.
Fibromyalgia and Massage Chairs
I have heard many stories that after they get a massage from a masseuse, they feel so much better. But their issue is that it is very expensive and some can’t find the time in visiting the spa several times a month. So they ask if a massage chair can give them the same satisfaction and relief.
The answer is YES as long as it does not make your symptoms worse and of course, you should talk to your doctor about it.
Everyone is different when it comes to dealing with the symptoms. Also, some have mild stiffness and others suffer from chronic pain.
If you like a good massage like most people then you should seriously consider buying a massage recliner for your home. Or if you haven’t tried one, there are many stores that sell this type of equipment that allow their customers to try out their products for several minutes. This is a great way to tell if you can handle the pressure and the touches and how you react with a session.
You should try out all the different features like the heating and vibration capabilities and all the different programs and techniques.
There are many FM sufferers who love the heat feature and in fact, most of them have a hot tub which makes them very relaxed. The vibration feature is one that you should try out with caution. There are reports that it will activate the nerves and the tender points which is not good.
Go for a product that gives a gentle and relaxing massage than deep-tissue. Cheaper machines also come with low quality materials. There are some that come with rollers that are too hard thus you should avoid these.
Conclusion
Generally, a massage can go a long way in helping those suffering from fibromyalgia. But each case is different like the person’s tolerance level. It is very important to talk to your doctor if you are planning on purchasing a masssage recliner.
You can visit your nearest store and try out their products. Make sure that the machine can target your problematic areas and that it has heating pads. The models today vary widely on features and capabilities. And if you feel like it reduces the pain and makes you feel more relaxed, then you should get one.
Our top recommendations is the Inada Sogno. It may be expensive, but according to those who have used it, it’s worth every penny. You can never put a price on living a happy and pain-free life.
