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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex condition that can affect a client’s pain levels, energy, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Massage therapists may regularly work with clients who have fibromyalgia, making it important to understand the condition and how it may influence massage therapy treatment.
This 7 CE hour course provides massage therapists with a comprehensive introduction to fibromyalgia syndrome, including its signs and symptoms, possible causes, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. The course also explores how massage therapy may be incorporated into a client’s overall care and discusses massage techniques and modalities that may be appropriate for clients with fibromyalgia.
By developing a better understanding of fibromyalgia, massage therapists can make more informed decisions about client care, treatment approaches, and communication.
In this course, you will learn:
What fibromyalgia syndrome is and how it affects the body
Common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia
Potential causes and contributing factors associated with FMS
How fibromyalgia is diagnosed
Conventional and complementary approaches used in the management of fibromyalgia
How massage therapy may be incorporated into care for clients with fibromyalgia
Massage techniques to consider when working with clients who have FMS
Massage modalities that may be appropriate for clients with fibromyalgia
Important considerations when developing an individualized massage session
How to adjust your approach based on a client’s symptoms, comfort level, and needs
Why take this course?
Working with a client who has fibromyalgia may require a thoughtful and individualized approach. Understanding the condition can help massage therapists recognize common symptoms, modify their techniques when appropriate, and provide a more comfortable and informed massage experience.
Whether you already work with clients who have fibromyalgia or simply want to expand your knowledge of specialized client populations, this course provides practical information you can apply to your massage therapy practice.
Text: Massage and Fibromyalgia Syndrome, by Melissa M. Dawahare, ND, 37 pages
Guide with instructions
Multiple choice exam of 60 questions
Course evaluation
Certificate of achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone and email support for any of your questions
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
I have given a massage to people who have Fibromyalgia Syndrome before. This course was very interesting, giving out all of the tools and information about the Positive and Negative sides of Massage with a person that has this. I liked it very much. - Larry Box, Jr.
Easy to follow. Pre exam was very helpful. - Amanda Lawson, LMT
I like how easy the material was to understand. The convenience of ordering and studying on my own time and testing when I was ready was great. - Anna Price, LMT
I liked this one a lot because I have a lot of clients with this, so this opened my eyes a lot more for them. - V. Rogers, LMT
It was a great course. I learned a lot. It was put together well and the testing followed the teaching well. - Mary Castro, LMT
Forms of CAM used to treat fibromyalgia may include all of the following except:
A. Blood-letting
B. Acupressure
C. Myofascial release therapy
D. Yoga
Neurological signs and symptoms of FMS can include all of the following except:
A. Impaired concentration
B. Functional bowel disturbances
C. Impaired memory
D. Impaired short term memory
Overall for fibromyalgia patients, massage therapy is a(an):
A. Unsafe but effective way to decrease pain
B. Safe but ineffective way to decrease pain
C. Safe and effective way to decrease pain
D. Unsafe and ineffective way to decrease pain
Course Author
About the Instructor
Dr. Melissa Dawahare, NMD, RN
Melissa Dawahare, NMD, RN, is a naturopathic medical doctor and a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in the medical field. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Nursing and Sonoran University of Health Sciences, formerly the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Dawahare is the author of several of our continuing education courses including Acupressure Basics, Essential Oils Overview, Massage and Migraines, and Massage and Fibromyalgia Sundrome.
