Medical Massage for chronic fatigue syndrome
Massage therapy can be a gentle powerhouse for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) - also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). It can't cure the condition, but it can help reduce symptoms, calm the nervous system, and support overall resilience. The important thing is that it needs to be applied wisely and with a clear understanding of how this condition works.
Whats going on with CFS?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is among the more complex and poorly understood things in medicine. That said, the most honest answer is probably "I don't know". And since I'm not a doctor, I will not try to get too in the weeds here. I do have experience working with complicated conditions like this, so I will stick to what I know.
Here is a general list of symptoms that are frequently experienced in people with CFS:
- Post-exertional malaise (getting overly tired after even mild activity)
- Autonomic dysfunction: dizziness, rapid heartbeat, temperature issues
- Immune irregularities and chronic low-level inflammation
- Sleep disturbances, cognitive fog, anxiety, and other mental health challenges
- Muscle aches and whole body discomfort or pain
It often overlaps with other conditions like fibromyalgia, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, and in my experience hyper-mobility.
How can massage therapy help chronic fatigue syndrome?
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), often means navigating life with limited energy, unpredictable symptoms, and a nervous system that feels like it's stuck in overdrive. Massage therapy can offer gentle, supportive relief when tailored to your needs and delivered with care.
Massage won’t cure CFS, but it can support your system in meaningful ways:
🧘 Nervous System Reset
Massage encourages the body to shift into “rest-and-repair” mode — exactly where healing happens. This can help reduce the sense of overwhelm and nervous system overload that often accompanies CFS.
🛌 Better Sleep, Naturally
Chronic fatigue doesn’t always mean good sleep. Massage promotes deeper rest by reducing cortisol, easing muscle tension, and encouraging serotonin and melatonin production. This can help reduce or eliminate the need for costly sleep drugs with negative side effects.
💧 Gentle Circulation & Lymph Flow
Some clients with CFS experience sluggish circulation and fluid retention. Massage helps stimulate blood and lymph flow, encouraging detoxification and a sense of lightness in the body.
🔓 Muscle and Fascia Relief
Chronic aches, tension, and stiffness are common in CFS. Gentle myofascial release and slow, non-invasive massage can help soften tissues and relieve pain without triggering symptom flare-ups.
🧠 Emotional and Mental Ease
The experience of being seen, supported, and nurtured matters. Massage offers quiet connection and grounding — a restorative pause in the midst of daily challenges. It also stimulates the release of nervous system calming molecules that make day to day life feel a little better.
What to expect during a massage for CFS:
Your session is designed to support your body and mind without creating stress for your system.
- Techniques are gentle, slow, and intentional
- Your comfort and energy limits are prioritized and respected
- Sessions can be adjusted in real-time based on how you’re feeling
- You’ll never be pushed to tolerate discomfort
- Clear, open communication to ensure the session is moving in the right direction
We work together to find the right dose of input your system can receive and benefit from. I believe massage needs to be matched to the individual.
What to be cautious of when receiving massage for CFS:
The following should be considered on an individual basis depending on your sense of your own body and your therapists experience with the condition:
- Post-exertional malaise or feeling worse after the massage (this might mean the massage approach needs adjusting, be sure to let your therapist know if you experience this)
- During flare-ups of symptoms touch may feel overstimulating (consider postponing your massage until after the flare-up)
- Orthostatic intolerance (feeling dizzy, lightheaded, etc upon standing), severe dizziness, or sensitivity to pressure (let your therapist know if you experience any of this)
Your safety and comfort are always the priority. Massage may be modified or postponed if you’re experiencing any of the baove. Communication is key. We’ll stay in close contact during the session to ensure you feel safe and supported.
Looking for relief from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the Lehigh Valley, PA?
Please reach out to me! I would be happy to discuss your situation and recommend myself or another professional provider depending on what will suit you best. I offer in home medical massage therapy appointments, and stay in touch with some other great local health professionals. I would love to talk with you!
