A combo of myofascial release, infrared heating, and electro stimulus is one of the few times I am totally pain free and pain can be significantly less for a few days. It is not a miracle or cure, but does help me. Plus having an integrative medicine specialist who cares and fits the treatment to your pain/needs VS. does the same treatment for everyone is very helpful and emotionally supportive. Massage feels nice/helps me to relax, but pain comes back usually within a couple of hours.

I went through physical therapy and my pt used myofacial release massage on my back, it was like Heaven itself! At first it wouldn't even last till I got home, but after 3 months of getting it, it would last a few days! Now I am done with PT and so no more massages for me :(

I had a my facial massage monthly. Found it very helpful and helped with the muscle cramps and helped me stay active. Going through a new progression of my fibro and can not tolerate massage too painful. HelpedE for a lot of years

I agree about feeling good after the massage and then shortly after... the pain is back. I have a lady that does my massages and she knows she can't get too deep or I'm in for a lot of pain afterwards. She can do gentle massages but seems to be able to get the spasms. She doesn't leave me hurting, later. She has a technique that is so gentle but productive at the same time. I need to ask her what technique she uses so I can share it with others. I also have a hand held massager in my home, for in between times with the masseuse, I have a neighbor that uses the massager on my back and shoulders when I can't get a massage. It breaks up the muscle spasms around my neck, shoulders and lower back. When that's over I use heat or ice around my neck that helps me stay relaxed. It can help up to 3-4 hours or a whole day. It's better than any pain pill for sure. I got mine from Home-Medics. I also have a rather large one that fits in my recliner... . It can really bring relief sometimes but is not as effective because sitting up, I'm not able to relax as well. I don't use it as often. Hope this helps someone else.

The thing that helped me the most was water aerobics.. When I was doing that 3 times a week for an hour to an hour and a half I was feeling a lot better and my pain was a lot less intense, but the fitness center I was a member of closed and I haven't been able to find another one that has what I need when I need it.. and most don't even offer it. I tried the arthritis classes at the YMCA but they didn't do as much for me but it did help.