Fibromyalgia is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in the UK and It is estimated that 5.4% of the UK population have fibromyalgia. The definition of Chronic pain or persistent pain is pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, or beyond the natural healing time (NHS Inform, 2024). Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia seven times more often than men and on average it can take 5 years to get a diagnosis (BGJP, 2023). The difficulty with diagnosis can be due to there being no specific clinical test, plus, the symptoms can be hard to differentiate to other conditions. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that can be physically and mentally overwhelming.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that results in widespread pain and sensitivity throughout the body. Unlike arthritis, this pain doesn’t stem from issues with the joints, bones, or muscles. Instead, fibromyalgia is believed to be related to a malfunction in the central nervous system, specifically in the brain and spinal cord, which struggles to properly process pain signals from different parts of the body.
This condition is also frequently associated with:
Difficulty sleeping, which can intensify symptoms.
Cognitive challenges, often referred to as "fibro fog," affecting concentration and memory.
Persistent, overwhelming fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep.
Additionally, fibromyalgia can manifest in various other symptoms affecting multiple body systems, ranging from digestive issues to mood disturbances, making each case unique and individualised.
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Widespread pain: You may feel persistent pain throughout your body, with certain areas—such as the neck and back—often feeling especially tender.
Fatigue and low energy: It’s common to experience extreme tiredness and low energy levels.
Sleep disturbances: Many people struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrefreshed.
Aching and stiffness: Muscle aches and joint stiffness are common, often feeling worse during or after physical activity.
Fibromyalgia symptoms can fluctuate, and it’s typical for the condition to "flare up," leading to sudden intensification of these symptoms (Versus Arthritis, 2021).
How can Massage help?
Some people with fibromyalgia find that complementary treatments help their symptoms.
Massage therapy can be beneficial for managing fibromyalgia by helping to alleviate pain, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and depression—symptoms commonly associated with the condition. Studies suggest that regular massage may lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine, promoting relaxation and reducing sensitivity to pain (Field et al., 2002). Additionally, massage techniques may relieve muscle tension and improve range of motion, enhancing physical function.
Specifically, myofascial release (which is a gentle, hands-on massage therapy that uses pressure and stretching to treat pain and restricted movement in the muscles and connective tissue), has been found to have large positive effects on pain and medium effects on anxiety and depression (Yuan et al., 2015). Massage therapy has also been associated with improved sleep quality and increased sleep duration (Field et al., 2002). Fibromyalgia can exhibit elevated levels of substance P (SP). SP is known to influence the normal process of pain perception, there is reason to address its role in the fibromyalgia pain. Some studies have reported reductions in SP levels and improvements in fatigue and stiffness following massage interventions (Field et al., 2002; Yuan et al., 2015). While individual responses vary, consistent massage therapy has been shown to contribute positively to quality of life for those with fibromyalgia (Li et al., 2020).
Overall, massage therapy appears to consistently improve the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients (Yuan et al., 2015).
If this is something you’d like to try you can book a massage with NW Sports Massage here.
What other factors can help?
Managing fibromyalgia involves various approaches that target symptoms and overall quality of life. Evidence supports the following factors:
Exercise: Low-impact aerobic exercise like swimming and walking can reduce pain and improve mood (McLoughlin et al., 2011).
Sleep: Quality sleep helps alleviate symptoms; sleep disturbances can exacerbate pain and fatigue (Jensen et al., 2013). Click here for NHS: How to fall asleep faster and sleep better
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can improve coping mechanisms and reduce stress (Bernardy et al., 2010). Find out how to access this here.
Diet: Anti-inflammatory diets may help reduce pain and improve energy (Marum et al., 2016). Follow the link here for more about 'Foods that fight inflammation'
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing improve stress response and emotional regulation (Bennett et al., 2018). Read more around meditation here
Image Source: RX Relief
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a complex and challenging condition that affects a significant portion of the population, with symptoms that impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Its diagnosis and management often require a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual. While no single treatment works universally, complementary therapies like massage, regular exercise, quality sleep, and mindfulness techniques have shown promise in improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Massage therapy, in particular, has been demonstrated to reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, making it a valuable tool in managing fibromyalgia. When combined with lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in low-impact exercise, and employing stress-management strategies, individuals can experience meaningful improvements in their condition.
Although living with fibromyalgia can be overwhelming, these holistic approaches offer hope for better symptom control and a higher quality of life. Exploring these options under the guidance of healthcare professionals and tailoring them to personal needs can empower those with fibromyalgia to regain control and thrive despite the challenges of the condition.
For further information and support use the links below:
References:
Bernardy, K., et al. (2010). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Bennett, R. M., et al. (2018). Pain Management.
Jensen, K. B., et al. (2013). Pain.
Marum, A. P., et al. (2016). Nutrients.
McLoughlin, M. J., et al. (2011). Arthritis Research & Therapy
Field, T. M., Diego, M. A., Cullen, C., Hernandez-Reif, M., Sunshine, W. and Douglas, S. P. (2002) 'Fibromyalgia Pain and Substance P Decrease and Sleep Improves after Massage Therapy'
Yuan, S. L. K., Matsutani, L. A. and Marques, A. P. (2015) 'Effectiveness of Different Styles of Massage Therapy in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.prairielakes.com/health-wellness-blog/demystifying-fibromyalgia-understanding-chronic-pain-12141.html
· https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/chronic-pain/
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