The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome, fibro myositis and fibrositis, is one of the most common chronic pain conditions, affecting millions of individuals in the United States and worldwide. While numbers on the prevalence of fibromyalgia in the literature vary considerably, the American College of Rheumatology (2008) estimates the number of individuals affected in the U.S.to be 5 million.
The most prevalent symptom is chronic widespread pain and tenderness (sensitivity to touch), in muscles, joints and soft tissue, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Some physicians unfortunately may not be able to properly diagnose this condition and tell the patient there is little that can be done.
Specific causes for fibromyalgia are unknown, but it is thought that a number of factors may be involved that could trigger fibromyalgia, which may include:
- Physical or emotional trauma
- Abnormal pain response, i.e. problems with how the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) processes pain – areas in the brain that are responsible for pain may react differently in fibromyalgia patients
- Infection, such as a virus – however, none has yet been identified
Due to the difficult nature of fibromyalgia, treatment requires a team approach including the patient, physicians familiar with the condition (rheumatologists, internists), physical-, massage– and occupational therapists, and other health care professionals.
Treatment may include physical therapy, stress-relief methods, including light massage and manual lymph drainage, and medication for pain and sleep management.
The result of a randomized controlled trial comparing manual lymph drainage with connective tissue massage in the treatment of women affected by fibromyalgia suggests MLD to be more effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia than massage.
The Difference between Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Massage Therapy
Massage and manual lymph drainage are two very different manual treatment modalities. It is unfortunate that the term massage is often wrongly used to describe MLD. The origin of the word massage is derived from the Greek massain (to knead) and is used to describe such techniques as effleurage, petrissage, vibration, etc.
Compared to traditional massage, the pressure applied with manual lymph drainage is much lower in intensity. The goal of these techniques is to manipulate the lymphatic structures located in the subcutaneous tissues. In order to achieve the desired effect, the pressure should be sufficient enough to stretch the subcutaneous tissues against the fascia (a structure separating the skin from the muscle layer) located underneath, but not to manipulate the underlying muscle tissue. The amount of pressure needed in MLD is sometimes described as the pressure applied stroking a newborn’s head.
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