Massage is wonderful for me. I go for a monthly massage and my masseuse does a combination of swedish relaxation and deep tissue on spots that I need it. I have also had hot stone massages and they are wonderful too.

Massage has been wonderful to me! I see a therapist twice a month, sometimes more, but never less, as I would be right back to the beginning. I was lucky to find someone who has several Fibro clients and worked with me to build up the pressure very slowly. When I first started going, i could barely stand to be touched, now he says Im not much different from other (non-fibro) clients.I was so lucky to find someone who specializes in therapeutic massage, and was willing to work up a plan with me and think long term. I don't know what I would do without it.

Massage CAN be wonderful, IF the therapist is knowledgeable about fibro, myofascial syndrome, etc. As you found out, too hard is terrible. Pammyann is right about Swedish massage and gentle deep tissue work - certainly no bruises! How awful! Check Yellow Pages, and interview potential therapist thoroughly about their techniques, etc.
Good luck - prayers,
Vee

What ?? massage is BAD for Fibromyalgia ?? No...Massage is what even kept me moving !!

Important to find a GOOD Massage Therapist...you should never be black and blue...start slow, and work down to the deeper tissue...you will get a Bit Sick, sore...stiff after a Good massage, Drink ALOT of water or other Clear Liguids, tea, apple juice, crannberry juice...{no milk or Like orange juice...}...Clear Liquids Help the Body FLUSH the Toxins...very Important !!

Massage helps our bodies to relax...our Muscles are very tight...tight muscles are weak Muscles and cannot be Strengthend, get them to relax, THEN you can strengthen them...

Exercise is Another thing that is Very Important...but ya have to go very SLOW, almost methodical in your Approach...and advancing is even Slower...but you Can Advance...

I would not give up my Massage for Anything !!

Nothing new to add to other replies. I think that massage is wonderful for fibro. But you do need someone who has experience with fibro and never do deep muscle.

Im trying to get back into using our bowflex. Started yesterday. I did do just a light workout. Very little really, but boy am I SORE today! And one of my knees is killing me. Time to get out the DEEP HEAT for me! LOLOLToday I would LOVE a massage. Ive only had one but it felt SO GOOD. (She knew I had Fibro)

I couldn't survive without it... I go to a myotherapist every 2 weeks. If it wasn't for that treatment, I wouldn't be able to work.

Ditto for all of the above/previous replies!
You may want to read up and start "trying on" gentle exercises like deep breathing (in a quiet room) and relaxation to relax your muscles before massage.
The connecting tissues are relieved of toxins during massage.See www.ayalafmconsulting.com The Blogs and resources there may help you!

Well..... what I wouldn't give for a good massage. I don't see a professional for it. it's not in the budget. But I do bribe and pay my family for as much as a massage as I can get. It does help.

Massage is great for me, too. Maybe he was going to deep. Drink plenty of water before you get one and plenty after. This helps flush out the impurities and lessens the soreness.

I love my massages and couldn't function very well without them. I have the body of a linebacker though so hubby can press as hard as he can and I barely feel it. I'm trying to get him to lighten up but he's so used to the deep tissue massage. He's getting there. :)

Maybe osteopathic techniques would be better for you. Less invasive and very helpful.