Massages - Fibromyalgia Message Board

gorgee · 04-10-2008, 06:45 AM

Hi all,

The other day I was so excited to be having a massage. I felt lucky, and that I might be able to relax for 1 hour. Many years ago I had a massage and it was wonderful. I have now discovered that the reason it was wonderful was because I had a body that was fibro and myofascial free.

On Tuesday I went to my massage, and I decided to have a whole body massage. It was 60 min. and I was so excited. I did not expect it to be painful as it was. She told me my whole fascia was inflammed, and I had muscle spasms all over my body, even in hands and legs. At first before she touched me she said lets try and get you off these medications, and yesterday when she called and checked on me, she said my body is a mess and it is no wonder I have chronic pain and need meds. Well, no duh!

The massage made me feel better about a couple of things. First of all, I had started to question the myofascial pain syndrome and think I just had fibro, but I have them both for sure. Then, I know I should be stronger, but it was great to have someone justify my pain and tell me it is real. Lastly, she wants to work on me, and she believes she can help me over time feel better by working on my body. The only problem is it is expensive, and I have to check to see if massages are covered by my insurance.

Here are my questions, I was sick yesterday, barely lift my head off the pillow sick, and I felt just horrible and sore, is that common after a massage? Today I am still quite sore. She said she did not do it strong enough to help me because my body was such a mess.

How often do any of you have massages? Is there anything I can do for myofacsial pain syndrome besides rest, heat, pain meds, and muscle relaxants? She justified me having it, but what else can I do? Also the massage was painful, and not pleasurable at all. Will it get easier if I can get insurance to pay for it?

I would love any info about massages and how they go for you guys. Are they painful for you all too?

Thank you,

Kassandra

bluelakelady · 04-10-2008, 06:55 AM

yes it is normal in the beginning to be in more pain. facia has to be worked back as well as those knots needing to be untied. there is much work to get your body to remember.
is it worth it? yes and yes and yes. i used to go 2 days a week. i can feel the change since i stopped. will start again soon.
if insurance won't cover it ask her if she has a sliding scale for cash clients. some places do. it is worth the expense. glad you got justification. it does make a difference. makes you feel sane again. giggle.
myofacial release therapy takes time so have patience.
peace,
bluelakelady
ps sounds like you found a jewel of a therapist. she is starting out exactly as she should. cool!!!

baserockermom · 04-10-2008, 07:30 AM

Hey, Kass, sorry you aren't feeling well afterwards. Lots of motrin! That's what I did afterwards. My pain spec had already told me to do that, but I wanted to wait to see what the massage would do for me. After a couple of days I was so sore I didn't want to wait any longer.

The gal who worked on me looked up fibromyalgia/myofascial pain first and did traction like stuff on me nearly the entire time. It did not hurt hardly any while I was there--she was careful to keep asking and I kept reporting. The thing that helped so much was when she would place her hands on my shoulder and hip and then pull apart, and go throughout the body doing that, just pulling apart. When I had the accident, traction was the only thing that helped before the surgery. Anyway, a couple days later after the worst days I was amazed my arms/hands were not going numb, pins and needles, and painful so much. They are still much better and I've not had the money to go back. So that was my story.

Hope your's will have a happy ending. Get something to help with inflammation, like motrin, though is what I think. I think whatever gets done needs that. At least in my case it did, and you and I have a lot of the same stuff.

Take care.

Grapedy · 04-10-2008, 10:56 AM

It's also important to have a massage therapist who is familiar with FM and myofascial. If they're not familiar with it and know what types of massages are best they can end up doing more harm than good.

The gym I belong to has a massage therapist on staff who's experienced with FM. I need to do some checking with my insurance to see if massage is covered after I hit my deductible. I can actually afford to go now!

sherryrenee0423 · 04-10-2008, 11:16 AM

Kass remember to drink LOTS of water before and after your massage to flush out the toxins. I feel terrible for 2 days after my trigger point massages, but then it gets better. After your next massage, take an epsom salt bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. The epsom salt helps draw out the soreness from the muscles. These are all things that I do after my massages to help ease the pain. I've started getting massages 2x a month. My massage therapist works on me for an hour and a half because she says an hour isn't long enough for me. I would go every week if I could afford it!