Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia are two different conditions, although you would think them to be quite the same, they are very different in many ways. In general, fibromyalgia involves the fibrous tissue where as polymyalgia involves affects the joint and muscle areas. Both of these conditions result in stiffness to the soft tissues areas resulting in pain. Massage chairs have been used to help sufferers of both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is termed a syndrome or a chronic illness. This syndrome can cause intense pain and extraordinary fatigue. Fibromyalgia affects the ligaments and tendons making them stiff. These symptoms can be prevalent in every part of the body. Muscular spasms and muscle burning are other common complaints of a person afflicted with fibromyalgia.
Polymyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica, affects the joint and muscle areas. This condition is inflammatory in nature, whereas fibromyalgia is not. Polymyalgia most commonly affects the elderly population. Most sufferers of this condition are women and are frequently descendents of Scandinavia or northern Europe.
Possible origins of polymyalgia may come from a genetic disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder or 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, upper arms. Sufferers may also have weight loss, fever, and/or loss of appetite. These symptoms can come on without warning.
Treatment starts with natural methods such as massage therapy and if unsuccessful, then drug therapy may be used to decrease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Both of these conditions affect the soft tissues. They become stiff and rigid which causes aches, pains and discomforts.
Natural methods of treatment include stretching, light exercise and massage therapy. The focus is on restoring more flexibility and elasticity to the soft tissue areas. Stretching helps to elongate the soft tissues to restore elasticity. Light exercise helps to increase the strength of the soft tissues. Massage therapy is used to elongate the 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 found to be an effective method of relief. Massage chairs help to restore flexibility while also decreasing the associated pain with these conditions. Of course, since the soft tissues are stiff, all initial activity to restore flexibility may result in some initial pain to start.
One has to get over the initial pain hurdle which is getting the soft tissue areas more elastic. This is the toughest part of getting on a path to normalization. A routine of diet, exercise, stretching and massage is important to keep the soft tissues to becoming rigid again.
Both of these conditions can be highly frustrating for patients, since there is no cure. The symptoms are the focus of treatment until a cure is found. In their frustration with seeking these measures many people do turn to alternative treatment to help themselves in relief of their pain symptoms. Many have found a massage chair as an indispensable tool in coping with both conditions.
Massage chairs provide effective massage therapy and have full body capability. Additional therapeutic treatments are included in massage chairs such as heating elements, traction systems and even music players. These help to restore the elasticity back to the soft tissue areas affected by these conditions. Consult with your health care professional on treatments that are right for your condition.