TRose
Hi! I just wanted to respond that I have CFS/FMS and I also have received Massage Therapy. As a matter of fact, I have for at least 5-6 out of the 11 years I have lived with these disorders. I have spoken to people who are not able to tolerate touch and so unable to tolerate massage therapy. Only you will know that after trial and error (story of our lives.) I would like to offer a couple of suggestions of what I have learned through the years: (1) Never be afraid to tell the Therapist his/her touch is too much/too painful or whatever; they are typically happy to oblige, after all, you are the customer and they would like return customers but mostly I have found that they ARE NOT out to hurt you but to help you relax; as well as to quiet the muscle spasms as able. (2) There are many different types of Massage Therapies and Therapists such as for example: Accupressure, deep-tissue, neuromuscular, myofascial, and/or Feldenkrais technique, etc. What I did was interview Therapists over the phone. I asked them if and then approximately, how many, fibromyalgia/chronic pain patients they have worked with; Are they familiar with Fibromyalgia?; What do they know about Fibromyalgia?; Are they willing to work with me on finding the right type of massage for me or do they specialize in one or more types and what are they?; Are they willing to listen to feedback? You may have to interview a few and try out a few but, if you are one who learns they can tolerate touch, you will know when you have found the right Therapist. I hope it works for you; it has been beneficial in helping me keep my life going! The Best of Luck!