Massage.

I recently went for a massage. It was lovely. But I completely unnerved the masseuse when I tried to explain fibromyalgia to her.

"So," she said. "You have pain... all over your body?"

I explained that yes I do, and I'll let her know if she finds a spot that needs to be avoided, or tell her if the pressure is too deep for my liking. Being quite well versed in different types of pain and the way that massage works, I don't find it a particularly scary prospect. Unfortunately, that's not usually the case for the poor girl on the giving side.

This got me thinking about chronic pain sufferers and massage. If you're not really familiar with different types of massage, it must be quite worrying presenting your back to someone who doesn't know your condition inside and out, and inviting them to apply pressure and potentially cause some severe pain. That's why I've made a list of some of my top tips for choosing a good massage if you suffer from chronic pain.

1. Choose your 'type' of massage carefully.
Do not opt for a sports massage unless you know what is coming. They hurt.
A Swedish massage is the safest bet - any massage that simply calls itself 'a massage' will almost definitely be Swedish. They use long strokes and are designed to relax rather than work out every last knot and kink.

2. Tell your therapist exactly what you need from you massage.
Be completely open about your pain, and remember to warn your therapist about any spots that are particularly tender. They might use particularly light strokes over that area to avoid aggravating the pain, or they might even have some gentle techniques that can help that area to relax slightly.

3. Feel free to communicate what you want during your treatment.
If you find that the massage is too rough for you, ask for a lighter pressure, or slower movements. If you feel like it's good but one area needs more work, say so. The more feedback you can give your therapist throughout the treatment, the more they can tailor their touch to create better results for you.

4. If you are worried, start with something different.
If you really fancy going for a massage but dislike being touched or are concerned about whether the experience might cause a flare, try starting with something like reflexology. Reflexology involves massaging the feet, so feels wonderfully relaxing without approaching the more common tender spots. This gives you an opportunity to experience the level of touch involved without having to remove more than your shoes and socks, and without having to risk the pain of a full body massage.

5. If you're still unsure, try something more specific.
You can get a very nice, comfortable, thorough massage from a physiotherapist or osteopath, who will be more familiar with chronic pain conditions, and may even be able to help relieve some of the deeper knots that massage simply can't reach. You can also look for massage therapists who specialise in chronic pain, as they will be able to give you the gentle and relaxing experience without the fear of irritating the condition.