Massage chairs help fibromyalgia and polymyalgia

Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia are two different conditions, although you would think they are pretty much the same, they are very different in many ways. In general, fibromyalgia involves fibrous tissue while polymyalgia affects joint and muscle areas. Both conditions result in stiffness in soft tissue areas that cause pain. Massage chairs have been used to help fibromyalgia and polymyalgia sufferers.

Fibromyalgia is called a syndrome or chronic disease. This syndrome can cause intense pain and extraordinary fatigue. Fibromyalgia affects the ligaments and tendons making them stiff. These symptoms can be frequent in all parts of the body. Muscle spasms and muscle burning are other common complaints of a person with fibromyalgia.

Polymyalgia or rheumatic polymyalgia affects joint and muscle areas. This condition is inflammatory in nature, while fibromyalgia is not. Polymyalgia most commonly affects the elderly population. Most people with this condition are women and are often of Scandinavian or Northern European descent.

Possible origins of polymyalgia may stem from a genetic disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, or an environmental factor, although this is not certain. The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are stiffness and pain in the muscles of the upper thighs, neck, hips, shoulders, and upper arms. Victims may also have weight loss, fever, and/or loss of appetite. These symptoms can appear without warning.

Treatment begins with natural methods such as massage therapy, and if unsuccessful, drug therapy may be used to lessen symptoms and improve quality of life. Both conditions affect the soft tissues. They become stiff and rigid, leading to aches, pains, and discomfort.

Natural treatment methods include stretching, light exercise, and massage therapy. The focus is on restoring more flexibility and elasticity to the soft tissue areas. Stretching helps lengthen soft tissue to restore elasticity. Light exercise helps increase soft tissue strength. Massage therapy is used to lengthen muscles to help them recover after exercise and to keep them elastic.

Since pain is a symptom of both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, massage chairs have been found to be an effective method of relief. Massage chairs help restore flexibility while decreasing pain associated with these conditions. Of course, since the soft tissues are stiff, any initial activity to restore flexibility may cause some initial pain to begin with.

One has to overcome the initial pain hurdle of making the soft tissue areas more elastic. This is the most difficult part of embarking on the road to standardization. A routine of diet, exercise, stretching, and massage is important to prevent soft tissue from becoming stiff.

Both conditions can be very frustrating for patients, as there is no cure. Symptoms are the focus of treatment until a cure is found. In their frustration at seeking these measures, many people turn to alternative treatment to help themselves alleviate their pain symptoms. Many have found in a massage chair an indispensable tool to deal with both conditions.

Massage chairs provide effective massage therapy and accommodate the entire body. Additional therapeutic treatments are included in the massage chairs, such as heating elements, traction systems, and even music players. These help restore elasticity to soft tissue areas affected by these conditions. Consult with your health professional about the appropriate treatments for your condition.