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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Adelaide, AU

I get very bad back pain and a few times I've tried to get massages to help. Most of the time though, I find that I'm in more pain afterwards. Does anyone else get this? The massage itself is painful too and I find it doesn't really help all that much. My shoulders and muscles sometimes feel a bit more loose but other than that the whole experience is just painful. Is there better alternatives to massages that aren't as painful but will still get knots out of my back?

May 4, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with massage therapy for fibromyalgia back pain, with many describing increased pain during and after... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with massage therapy for fibromyalgia back pain, with many describing increased pain during and after sessions that left them unable to walk orfunction normally the next day, leading some to stop massage altogether. Several members offered helpful alternatives and strategies, including heat and gentle stretching, TENS units, Yantra mats for acupressure relief, finding a Registered Massage Therapist specifically trained in chronic pain conditions, and exploring chiropractic care with clear communication about pain tolerance. A recurring theme was the importance of ruling out other causes like degenerative disc disease through imaging, as several members discovered their pain stemmed from disc issues rather than fibromyalgia alone.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I think it all depends on what type of massage you get as there all different and used in different treatments I believe aromatherapy massage is the one that we need I've not tried it before but is suppose to be gentle and they use oils like lavender which relaxes the muscles, have you heard of a yantra mat ? I bought one of these for my back pain use every night it helps it's like acupressure like a gentle bed of nails it works for me xx

May 4, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I'm sorry to hear your massages are leaving you in pain! I see a Registered Massage Therapist once per month, and I find it quite helpful. My RMT has an interest in pain conditions which is really important. She's actually identified a few conditions causing pain in my feet which likely would have gone undiagnosed otherwise. I do have some pain after the appointment but the RMT and I have discussed in depth which areas need to be treaded lightly on (for example around my shoulder joints). It might be worth your while to find a masseuse that has experience dealing with chronic pain. Also, make sure they are as medically trained as possible - some "spa" masseuses only take short courses and are not nearly as qualified as the fully trained ones. I find massage helpful and relieving and I hope you are able to find the same! Best of luck!

May 5, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have been doing massage for a few years and gave up recently. People were jealous when I would say I was getting a massage. What they didn't understand is the pain I'm in during and after. I gave up tolerating it. Chiropractor also massages neck and I hurt for days after. He will be told no more at my next visit. It's not helping. Heat and stretch works best for me. I thought massage would get rid of the painful marble like knots, it didn't.

May 4, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thank you @A MyFibroTeam Member I haven't heard of the mat before but I'm definitely going to look into it, sounds really helpful! I think I'll ask about the different types of massage too and maybe try that out. Just a bit scared of getting another one as the last time I went I couldn't walk the next day because I was in so much pain. Thanks for your help :) xx

May 4, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I also tried massages. Got to the point where I didn't want to spend the energy in getting undressed. I tried. They just didn't work for me.

February 14, 2016

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