Fibromyalgia Massage

A Fibromyalgia Massage is a gentle, adaptable manual therapy intervention designed to reduce chronic pain, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms in people with fibromyalgia. This approach increases comfort, supports sleep, and helps regulate stress, but always requires sensitivity to heightened pain and touch response.​

Signs & Symptoms

  • Widespread musculoskeletal pain, often described as aching, burning, or stabbing

  • Persistent fatigue, disturbed sleep, and unrefreshing rest

  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity

  • Tenderness at characteristic “trigger points” (neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees)

  • Cognitive symptoms (“fibro fog”): poor concentration, memory problems

  • Emotional distress and anxiety are common.​

Contraindications

  • Avoid deep tissue or vigorous massage techniques that can exacerbate pain or post-massage flare-ups​

  • Refrain from treating during acute infection, fever, open wounds, or comorbid conditions unless cleared medically

  • Caution in areas of swelling, severe skin sensitivity, or recent trauma

  • Monitor for increased sensitivity, and discontinue techniques that worsen symptoms—pressure must always be customized.​

Assessment

  • Detailed intake on pain patterns, symptom severity, flare-up frequency, and medication use

  • Palpation for muscle tension, trigger points, and sensitivity response

  • Assess fatigue, sleep quality, joint mobility, and physical activity tolerance

  • Screen for anxiety, depression, and post-exercise symptom spikes

  • Adjust session plan according to daily symptom variability (pre and post-assessment are key)​

Treatment

  • Gentle Swedish massage (long strokes, light kneading) is safest and most commonly effective; deeper pressure only if tolerated​

  • Myofascial release, sustained pressure, and stretching for fascial restrictions and trigger points​

  • Manual lymphatic drainage or connective tissue massage for swelling, tenderness, and mood improvement​

  • Scheduling consistent sessions either weekly, biweekly, or monthly based on response​

  • Always prioritize relaxation, parasympathetic activation, and gentle modulation of pain

  • Avoid overstimulation. Monitor comfort, and focus on muscles around joints, avoiding direct painful spots.​

Self Care

  • Daily gentle stretching and low-impact aerobic activity (walking, swimming, yoga) to foster mobility and reduce pain

  • Use self-massage tools or techniques, focusing on comfortable pressure and avoiding trigger points during flare-ups​

  • Maintain regular sleep hygiene and relaxation routines

  • Warm baths or heating pads for persistent soreness; avoid heat if swelling or sensitivity is high

  • Monitor symptom changes and communicate feedback with care provider for adjustments

  • Integrate massage with medication, nutrition, and physiotherapy for optimal management