Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia and Whiplash
By Taylor Norris RMT at unionwellness.ca
- The featured picture only shows the trigger points for fibromyalgia from the front.
In order to describe the general treatment differences between massage for whiplash and fibromyalgia, we’ll first go over a brief definition of each. Whiplash is described as an acceleration-deceleration injury to the head, neck and affecting the upper thorax. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, paresthesia, nausea and low back pain. Most often it occurs due to motor vehicle accidents, but can also happen during contact sports or diving.
Fibromyalgia on the other hand can be described as a painful non-articular rheumatic condition of at least three months duration, characterized by widespread muscular achiness and specifically the palpation of tender points at 11 of 18 prescribed locations on the body. Causes of fibromyalgia are unclear but seem to have connections with immune abnormalities and a genetic predisposition that causes neuroendocrine dysfunction (Rachlin, 1994).
The massage treatment goals for whiplash vary considerably depending on the severity of injury, but in general we are looking to; reduce pain, inflammation and edema, decrease sympathetic nervous system firing and spasms, prevent adhesion formation, reduce hypertonicity and trigger points, and gradually increase local circulation and range of motion.
Massage treatment goals for fibromyalgia however are mainly focused on reducing stress levels and pain. Half hour and more frequent treatments (two-three times a week) to start are recommended to avoid exhausting and overworking the person. Relaxing, rhythmic and soothing techniques are used, gradually working toward moderate pressure depending on the person’s tolerance that day. Trigger point treatment is also important, especially of the upper back, neck and head, to help reduce tension and pain overall.
In 2 Weeks We’ll discuss exercise for Whiplash and Fibromyalgia
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