Fibromyalgia: Massage

The techniques of classical massage and fascial treatment (fasciae – connective tissue covering of muscles and organs, ligaments and tendons) should be performed very carefully at the beginning with little pressure, otherwise painful reactions may occur. The choice of technique and the increase in intensity depends on the patient’s reaction to the treatment. I would particularly like to emphasize the techniques of trigger point treatment, fascial treatment using the fascial roller and ball, and transverse friction at the tendon attachment stimuli. By a precise examination of the affected tendon section at the tendon-bone transition or at the tendon-muscle transition, the painful structure can be palpated exactly and treated with the transverse friction (intermittent = change of pressure/tension and relief – massage technique transverse to the tendon). The choice and intensity of the techniques depend on the individual findings and the patient’s reaction.

Fibromyalgia: Lymph drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is used to treat oedema and decongestion of the trunk, extremities and head. Oedema (lymphedema – swelling of the tissue due to the leakage of fluid from the vessels into the intercellular space) and congestion in the tissue occur due to insufficient transport, so more volume has to be removed from the intercellular space than the lymph vessels can create. In ML, the therapist uses various grip techniques with an alternation of pressure and relief to support the pumping function of the lymph vessels and thus achieve a higher flow rate.

In this way, edema can be better removed and the swelling of the tissue is reduced. Further effects of ML are the mental relaxation of the patients, pain relief in the tissue and skeletal muscles by reducing muscle tension.In fibromyalgia, especially in the morning, there are swellings in the area of the delicate tissue parts of the body – around the eyes, bags under the eyes, at the nerve exit points at the base of the skull, closed nose due to swollen mucous membranes, swollen fingers, feet. These oedemas are usually clearly visible and noticeable e.g. rings do not fit, morning headache! So far there is no convincing explanation for the occurrence of this phenomenon in fibromyalgia, but the complaints potentiate the overall symptoms and are stressful for those affected. Regular lymphatic drainage can provide good relief.