FIBROMYALGIA, EXERCISE AND MASSAGE
Most massage therapists and bodyworkers have seen the effects of fibromyalgia on at least some of their clients' bodies and minds. Often unable to find help elsewhere, fibromyalgia sufferers have been known to seek out alternative methods to find lasting pain relief. Understanding the disorder more comprehensively and discovering how massage can be applied to a particular client may benefit all who suffer from it.

People suffering with fibromyalgia often improve with vigorous exercise and massage therapy. One notion suggested is that aerobic exercise and massage work beefs up the body’s supply of endorphins, a natural pain-dampening and sleep-deepening substance. Exercise and massage increases levels of serotonin and growth hormones, the exact pain-reducing, muscle-repair hormones that people with fibromyalgia may lack. Exercise and massage also increases blood flow to the muscles. It is well documented that people with fibromyalgia do have slightly less blood flow to their muscles, which might also contribute to pain. Exercise and massage work together are often just the answer for helping ease the discomfort and sometimes reverse this often debilitating condition.
Richard