Wow guys had my first hour long massage with theraptist at chiropractor … It felt so good when she was doing it… Now I also told her that I had FMS… The next day I was in so much more pain … It currently felt like my muscles in my arm which had spasms alot was swollen… Never again!
It didn’t feel like she was being rough doing the massage… Any suggestions don’t want to stop the massages because it did relax my arm spasms that day…
There are massage theraptist who specialize in FMS. However, I have still suffered for days afterward at times, no guarantee. I currently have a membership with Planet Fitness and use thier Red Light system and Hydro Massage I have found both systems to be relaxing but again no fix. Good luck
Hi LaDonna,
Just talk to her when you go in again and tell her what you experienced. We get so ultra-sensitive, even the most nurturing touch can have dire consequences. Realize that she is working on muscles we don't use as much as we used to! Hopefully this part will pass, but let her know!
I enjoyed massages, had them on a regular basis, then I started the pain management injections, and after all of those I got to the point where I could not stand massage, acupuncture, ultra sound, and eventually stopped even going to the chiropractor because of the car ride.
I hope that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of massage!
Wishing you well,
SK
LaDonna, I had the same experience with my massage therapist, so I stopped going for a long time, just recently I found someone else, and I explained I can’t tolerate deep tissue massage, and I asked her if she was familiar with fibro. she was much more gentle and I had fabulous results, increased energy and decreased pain. It’s very important to drink tons of fluid after… I couldn’t believe how great I felt the following day, so I did way to much and then paid for it. But it was so good to have a day that I felt almost normal…
tell her what happened, ask her to be more gentle…I can only tolerate 45 min tops, I just can’t get comfortable, also I tell my therapist certain areas to avoid… Like my arms
Hugs
dee
I currently do Bowen Therapy which is not a massage but a technique used specifically for pain management and I believe was started by working on people with fibromyalgia to see how they would react to the treatment. I have had wonderful results from going and have more energy and feel a lot more balanced and happy. I feel that this is not common practice like massage therapists but am hoping you have one in your area you could check out.
There was only one time I felt horrible pain a few days after but I feel that was more due to the weather than the Bowen Therapy I received. This also helps with digestion, headaches, fatigue and overall well being. It is great :-D
Hey LaDonna,
My first massage felt great until later that night, but I remembered that the massage therapist told me that ice is my friend and to use it on any areas that feel sore. I've had lots of massages since and I havent gotten sore like I did that first time. I'm glad I didn't give up because massage keeps me from getting so sore and stiff. Whatever you choose, I hope you find relief.
I had an acupuncturist long ago (before my fibro diagnosis) that did massage, and he had to be gentle or I was super sore afterwards (Hmm, foreshadowing perhaps?). I know now that I couldn't do massage, especially in my back where my pain is worst. I also had trouble with chiropractic stuff because it would set my pelvic issues off (which we now think is tied to the scoliosis in my spine, which my docs also think may have triggered my fibro).
Perhaps try a hot bath the night after the massage to soothe muscles that might flare up. I've noticed that sometimes I can stave off a flare when I overdo it with a hot bath, or at least lessen the consequences.
LaDonna,
Sorry to hear that you had so much pain after your massage. I totally understand, the same thing happened to me. I have two suggestions. Talk to your massage therapist. Tell her again that you have FMS. Any really good therapist will understand what that means. The other one is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The massage releases a lot of "toxins" from the muscles that we do not use, things including lactic acid. The same kinds of things that happen when your workout too hard and have that burn afterwards. I scheduled a second massage and made sure to be well hydrated when I went and I made a point to drink a lot of water afterwards and I did not hurt nearly as bad as I did with the first massage. I guess the water helped my body get rid of the chemicals.
Now the massages are enjoyable for me both during and after. The limiting factor to how many times I see my therapist is finances. Don't give up. Try again in three or four weeks.
Gentle hugs,
Shadows mom
LaDonna, like you I have had massages that feel really good while I am getting them only to suffer the next day or two. I didn't want to give them up because they were very relaxing. Unfortunately, the time I had a massage it sent me into a flare up that lased for a month. I will never have another massage. Be careful sweetie. Some of us just can't tolerate massages. The same thing happened to me with physical therapy, I couldn't tolerate the exercises they gave me.
Hope you are feeling better today, LaDonna! Hope all the soreness has left you! My grandmother used witch hazel compresses to draw the soreness out, but it would be difficult to wrap your whole body up!