Finding Comfort and Support: Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia Awareness Month

May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. While there's1 no cure, massage therapy can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

In an article by Castro-Sánchez and colleagues in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, massage can help individuals with fibromyalgia by:

• Reducing pain and stiffness: Gentle massage techniques can help to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce the intensity of pain.

• Improving sleep quality: Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience sleep disturbances. Massage can promote relaxation and improve sleep patterns.

• Decreasing anxiety and depression: The chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can often lead to anxiety and depression. Massage can have a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being.

• Increasing range of motion: Gentle stretching and massage techniques can help to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the joints.

If you or someone you know is living with fibromyalgia, explore how massage therapy can offer supportive relief and improve quality of life.