How does massage help?
No-one knows for sure how massage helps but people with many different illnesses, as well as healthy people, report benefits. It is thought that massage helps by increasing the flow of blood around the body, improves the function of the lymph system, and aids in relaxation. These effects can really help people with ME/CFS who often have circulatory and immune problems. Everyone can benefit from regular relaxation.
What type of massage helps?
There are many types of massage but remedial, deep tissue and acupressure massage are reported to be the most beneficial for people with ME/CFS. Essential oils are sometimes used to increase the effectiveness of the massage. I had a one-hour full body deep tissue massage every week. Many people may be worried that deep-tissue massage will increase their muscular pain. Although I generally don't suffer from much pain I did not find that massage increased the pain. In fact, I found that massage often alleviated the pain. I think that the stimulation of the muscles produces benefits that far outweigh the discomfort that sometimes occurs during the massage. If you are concerned about pain then I suggest you talk to your massage therapist.
Side effects
The only unfavourable side effects produced by massage that I know of are the result of the body releasing toxins. Occasionally I have felt an increase in my exhaustion along with a decrease in my mood directly after the massage. This is always short-lived and followed by a sharp improvement. After my third massage the skin on my back broke out in pimples. These symptoms can be relieved by drinking lots of water to flush the toxins from the body.
Choosing a therapist
The best way to find a massage therapist is by word of mouth. Failing that, look in your local Yellow Pages. Choose a therapist who is close to your home so that you can still get there when you are feeling considerably unwell. If you are mostly confined to the house then you might be able to find a therapist who comes to your home. Whatever therapist you choose make sure that you feel comfortable with him/her. If you don't feel comfortable then find a new massage therapist.
Cost
The price of massage varies depending on where you live. I live in Sydney, Australia and the cost of a one-hour deep tissue massage is $44. I receive the concession rate of $35. You should expect to pay more for a massage therapist to come to your home.
Update: Unfortunately, the benefits I received from the massage started to decrease after seven months. After eight months of having regular massages I decided that I was no longer gaining anything from having them so I stopped. I still have an occasional massage if I feel I need it. I have found that many treatments produce benefits for a while and then stop. This is reported far and wide in the ME/CFS community but no-one knows the reason for this phenomenon.
