Is it possible that a deep tissue massage on a person with fibromyalgia could actually tear the trapezius?

Fibromyalgia can cause one be extremely sensitive from any type of pressure. Even the gentlest of pressures could cause you pain. The trapezius muscle is a large muscle and i don't think that a massage could cause a tear in the muscle. A good massage will help to release toxins from your system. Massage also physically helps to remove cellular debris, bacterium, viruses, & metabolic waste that can build up in tight muscles (tight muscles are also common in fibromyalgia pts). This can cause soreness after, as the body works to get rid of those toxins from your system.  My suggestion for you is to drink a lot of water. Drinking water before and after a massage is also very important. I think it is going to take some time to heal.

A massage should not be painful, and your massage therapist should have told you this before beginning. It can be intense, and only should be to your tolerance level.  It is important for you to let the massage therapist know how much pressure is too much. If you were in pain during the massage, that would definitely translate into soreness/pain after.

Your pain may be coming from re-activated trigger points in the trapezius muscle. I would recommend that you use ice on your trapezius muscle. However, in my experience treating patients with fibromyalgia, they often respond better to heat. If you respond well to heat, try a moist heat pack to help decrease the soreness. Also speak your Doctor about this. He may be able to prescribe something to you in the short term to help reduce pain. Hope this helps you out. Wishing you a speedy recovery and well being. - NJ

 

Thanks for the fast reply!  It has been six weeks, with the pain being as it is.  It may be slightly better, one side not as bad as the other now, but still very much there.   I have been using heat, and it does relieve the pain, but only until I move again.  When she reached underneath me, while I was laying on my back, and pulled upwards on my back muscles, I felt extreme pain.  I remember not heaing what she was visiting about, because the pain was so intense.   I didn't want to complain, as I thought that was must be how it was supposed to be, but since you said that a massage is not supposed to be painful...I am thinking that something may have gone wrong.  I guess it doesn't really matter at this point, except that if I ever get a massage again, I will speak up right away.  What I need to know is if there is anything that I can do to help my body heal.  I will increase my water intake, as you suggested.  I wonder if there are stretching exercises that would help?  Thanks again for your input.  I really appreciate it!

Hi Eml7,  Yes you can do neck stretches at home. Keep in mind that you do not want to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of feeling a stretch. Since heat helps, do these very gently while in the shower. Let the hot water hit your neck and upper back area and do the stretches at the same time.

Even a natural muscle relaxer such as Formula 303 (natural homeopathic muscle relaxant) may be beneficial.

Here are some great neck stretches that you can do as well: Fast and easy Neck Stretches for Pain Relief.

- NJ

 

Wow!  Thanks a lot!  I am going to do some reading on that site.  I appreciate your advice!

With gratitude, EmL7