“An ache here, and an ache there, but there is no reason anywhere”
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that has made physicians bang their heads in despair. Diagnosing this aching malady is a tough job as the only obnoxious thing before the doctor is the patient because the lab results are almost alright (in most cases).
Treating something you don’t know is an even greater challenge. Providing relief to a fibromyalgia patient is binding from the Hippocratic oath. However, in this case, doctors are perplexed as to what be used as medicines are ineffective. But do you know massage chairs for fibromyalgia can have that magical soothing effect?
What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a queer chronic disorder characterized by generalized pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. It affects about 2% of the adult population (4 million US adults). Due to the multiple effects, it is frequently known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Following are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome:
- Muscle and bone pains involving more than one muscle at a time (musculoskeletal pain)
- Fatigue
- Sleeping disorders
- Cognitive issues (fibromyalgia fog)
- Headaches
- Anxiety and depression
- Eye issues (dry eyes)
- Bladder disturbances
- Trigger points
Best Massage Chairs For Fibromyalgia
So, in order to kick out pain, and fatigue from fibromyalgia you must check out these ultimately beneficial massage chairs by Zarifausa.
Here is a list of the best massage chairs for fibromyalgia that you can take advantage of:
Z-Cloud Massage Chair
This device is laced with advanced foot rollers that ensure ergonomic foot massage. Moreover, these foot rollers mimic the feel of real hands.
The rollers can be adjusted to 3 different levels making it an ideal massage chair for wide people too. You don’t need to set the speed, and intensity, again and again, thanks to the massage memory modes (3 modes).
It provides a superb full-body experience.
Z-Dream Massage Chair
This intelligent device automatically detects your body type, thereby, tailors the massage especially for you.
You get 5 different intensity modes along with adjustable widths for the spine. Say bye-bye to hand cramps and pains with the accurate hand massage technology.
The airbags on this device mimic kneading hands and are pretty accurate in targeting the trigger points. You can get a head-to-toe massage in different massage positions.
Z-Smart Massage Chair
This chair is a marvel of technology and an ideal device for fibromyalgia patients.
The full body compression strategically targets trigger points in fibromyalgia patients. The reclining seat also offers dual-lumbar heat massage. Deep massage is possible with this great massage chair with evident targets being leg muscles and calves. You get a seamless pocket design too.
This massage chair also offers extended massage range extending from neck, shoulder to back and waist.
Z-Smart Massage Chair Plus
The smart air ionizer purifies odors and provides a clean environment for you to relax. The S and L shaped rollers are accurate in tracking the aching points on your lower back and extend down to the thighs and glutes.
The adjustable motor pivots effectively target the painful areas. This chair has all the features of the aforementioned chairs and offers an unmatchable whole body experience.
Distinct Features Of Fibromyalgia
Trigger Points
It is critical to know about the specific trigger points when diagnosing fibromyalgia. Your “multisite pain” will be diagnosed as fibromyalgia if the healthcare provider finds at least 4 out of 5 identified regions of musculoskeletal pain points. The fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria 2010/2011 provide a complete guideline to the doctors and the patients.
Pain in these trigger points can be severely debilitating. In a study, experts found out that there are active trigger points and latent trigger points too in cases of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. The common trigger points also known as fibromyalgia pressure points include:
- Head (backside)
- Upper chest
- Top of shoulders
- Elbows (outer side)
- Hips
- Knees
Fibromyalgia Fog
Another distinct feature of the disease is the “fibro fog” or “fibromyalgia fog”. Brain fog is explained as a fuzzy feeling related to a lack of concentration and memory lapses. People suffering from fibromyalgia have trouble staying alert and fix concentration on a specific topic.
The young students complain of unexplainable memory lapses and compare their condition to a feeling of fog inside their heads.
As per a study, some sufferers find the mental fogginess is greater to a healthy life than the pain associated with FMS.
Massage For Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance can seriously compromise life. All these symptoms can make one lethargic and energy-deprived that eventually leads to poor work performance and personal life.
The musculoskeletal tension decreases muscle elasticity in fibromyalgia patients resulting in a compromised arterial supply of the affected region. This might activate pain receptors. Medications are prescribed by doctors in an attempt to slow down the extent of symptoms. The main symptoms to be managed include:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep issues
There is a myriad of drugs prescribed for alleviating symptoms including antidepressants, NSAIDs, and anti-seizure drugs, etc. However, the safest way to deal with a fibromyalgia patient is massage therapy.
Myofascial Massage
There are different types of massage therapies that have shown promising results in managing FMS. As per a systematic review and meta-analysis, myofascial massage has a relatively greater positive impact in reducing pain, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, and lymphatic drainage massage are also very effective.
Connective Tissue Massage
Fibromyalgia patients who received connective tissue massage for a period of 10 weeks reported significant improvements in quality of life. Reduction in pain and depression was most evident at the end of the study.
Therefore, connective tissue massage can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy
As per a pilot study, a special type of massage known as the manual lymphatic drainage massage can cure widespread pain, stiffness, and disturbed sleep in fibromyalgia patients. Due improvements in pain, stiffness, and sleepiness were noted by researchers and it was concluded that manual lymphatic drainage therapy can be a valuable alternative treatment for patients with fibromyalgia.
Swedish Massage
As tenderness is also found in the muscles along with widespread pain, managing fibromyalgia pain is a little tricky. Pain relief can be brought about by relieving these trigger points. A pilot study reveals that Swedish massage can be effective in imparting pain alleviation.
Massage Chair For Fibromyalgia
A study suggests that self-massage (pressure massage) is an effective way of alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia. The participants receiving manual/automatic massage reported reduced anxiety/depression and regional pain immediately after the session.
A modernized way of receiving a self-massage is a chair massage. Advanced technology has allowed the creation of a massage chair that mimics the hands of an expert masseuse.
Benefits Of Massage Chair
A massage chair has many benefits as compared to manual massage.
Always Available
As fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder, patients suffering from the disease need a long-term solution to the problem. Visiting the massage therapist can be a hectic ordeal whereas a massage chair is always there to calm you.
Cost-Effective
A massage chair can remove a lot of financial burden from you. Commute charges and the charges of a massage therapist can lead to precious money being drawn from your pocket while you can enjoy a peaceful massage at home.
No need For Appointments
You are not bound to get an appointment with a massage therapist for pain relief.
Improved Sleep
You can enjoy a good night’s sleep following a chair massage session. Say goodbye to sleepless nights with the advanced massage chairs.
Improved Muscle Tone And Circulation
We all know massage increases the blood flow to the region. This also improves muscle tone and adds to muscle strength as well.
Alleviation Of Pain
Chronic fatigue and low back pain are common in women suffering from fibromyalgia. These aspects make life miserable. Studies have found a link between fibromyalgia and low back pain.
According to a study, a massage chair is an efficacious method to improve disability, pain and is cost-effective too.
Other Ways To Manage Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Other ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms include:
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Yoga
- Cupping therapy
- Meditation
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disability. Managing infirmity with medications has negative impacts. Massage therapy is an effective non-pharmacological way of dealing with fibromyalgia patients.
Swedish massage, MLDT, myofascial therapy, and connective tissue therapy have all been pretty effective in reducing symptoms. The same effect can be achieved using a high-quality massage chair such as those offered by Zarifausa.
