Massages, accupuncture, and chiropractic kept me afloat for awhile. However, my massage therapist and I did research, and both of us discovered that people with PM should not have a deep tissue massage. They should only have a gentle massage, but that these gentle massages are actually good for PM patients.

Before PM, I had a massage 1 - 2 times a month. I stopped for several years. In the past year, I've started to do them more. I find they aren't as nice as they used to be and I need much lighter pressure. I also let them know I have a muscle disease so not to dig in too deep. I think the massage would be much better with someone who is familiar with the human anatomy and hopefully has worked with people with health issues. I have yet to find the right person. I'm still searching.

I would say give it a go but tell them very light pressure and let them know if they go too deep. Make sure you drink lots of water after and prepare to probably be a little sore.

I get a massage every month. I worded with my massage therapist and get a light general massage and try to get the muscles elongated. I also have them do a hot stone massage which feels wonderful. Might check with your doc on what they recommend.

Before I got sick I liked a deep, trigger point massage. Then as I was getting sick I found I was having a negative response to massage, increased pain, it is because when there was inflammation massage aggravates it, I didn't realize it at the time. I know now that when I am in a flare I do not benefit from massage, that is not to say I don't benefit from body work, I like light work Rosen Method, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial work, Reiki. Also, hot stone can aggravate inflamed tissue so I stay away from that when I am flaring. Since I am a massage therapist this whole experience has made me more sensitive to peoples needs when they have certain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus.... not to mention myositis but to tell you the truth I have never in ten years has a client who had myositis!!!
Maruska

I think that I am going to just stick with the physical therapy that has been ordered and occasionally have my daughter give me the skin spas that just remove the dry, dead skin from my body. I don't want to do anything that is going to increase my pain and with so few people knowing about PM, I don't want to risk it.

Weirdly, I've found that deep tissue/trigger point massage is the best type for me.

Lighter massage is also uncomfortable, and I find it doesn't release my stress/tension as well as trigger point. I am also very prone to short/tight muscles and I feel that the specific release works the most completely - I am pain free longer after the massage. At least, my range of movement is much better and while I am a little sore for a day or two after the massage, it's not quite the same deep/ache/tight pain. I get one at least once a month, every 2 weeks when possible.

I do definitely coordinate with my (regular) therapist. I can only tolerate the deep tissue massage around my shoulders/neck - while I do have knots and pain issues around my hips and lower back/butt, the same deep tissue/pressure point therapy leaves me very bruised and dysfunctionally sore there for up to a week. I tend to look (and feel) like I've been beaten with a stick afterwards. Yet, it is SO AMAZINGLY HELPFUL on the shoulders. I don't entirely understand it...

I had my first post DM diagnosis massage this past week. I was a little nervous about how I would do. I explained my illness to the massage therapist and she was very understanding and said she would go very light and to just let her know if at any time it was too much or not enough. She was awesome. She applied just the right amount of pressure to help me relax but I didnt hurt at all during or after. Massages are one of my favorite ways of pampering myself and I am happy to know that I can enjoy them still. :)