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Medically breaking down the word Fibromyalgia results in the following:
Fibro=fiber or fibrous
My=pertaining to muscles
Algia=pain or painful.
Anyone who is suffering from this disease can attest to the fact that they go through periods of extreme pain in their muscles, tendons and/or ligaments. Fibromyalgia, in terms of a medial diagnosis, is a relatively new disease, has no medical cure and is a disease that many in the medical profession are still perplexed about. Research has shown that practitioners disagree to both its cause and its treatments. What is also confusing is how FMS symptoms and their intensity can vary tremendously between its sufferers.
FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) is a disease that results in chronic pain that can become so debilitating, that many afflicted can not resume the same quality of life that they experienced previous to the diseases’ onset. FMS is predominantly found in women between the ages of 30-50. There are many symptoms of FMS that include extreme fatigue, headaches, numbness in extremities, intestinal disorders, debilitating pain throughout the muscles, extreme sensitivity to sometimes even the lightest touch and “brain fog”. The muscle pain is mostly found in the neck, shoulder, back and hip regions. This pain is often described as burning, aching and flu-like. Many people will experience signs and symptoms of depression as well. Because of the exhaustion FMS sufferer’s experience, many practitioners believe that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and FMS are one in the same.
Some of the newest research suggests that people with FMS process pain three times higher then the average person. This has been determined by studying chemicals in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid which is sent to the brain. Another study suggests that because these people are so sleep deprived, the stage of sleep needed to experience muscle recovery (stage four) is not achieved. People with FMS tend to sleep more hours than the average person, but it is a lighter, more restless sleep.
To diagnose FMS, pain and symptoms must exist more than three months. There are 18 trigger points (tender spots) located on the body. Patient is diagnosed with the disease if eleven or more of these points are sensitive to touch.
Massage is a wonderful, holistic way to alleviate the symptoms and discomforts of FMS. There are many types of massage and many therapists agree that Swedish, lymphatic, myofascial release, reflexology and Shiatsu are among the best. Deep Tissue massage is probably not the best type of massage to BEGIN WITH for FMS. These patients already experience pain and heightened sensitivity to touch, but if a client comes in on a regular basis, they are able to tolerate more and more pressure, and these are the clients who seem to experience the most relief from massage. However, it takes time to build up to a tolerance for deep tissue therapy.
Massage addresses the symptoms as follows:
Headaches are frequently caused from muscle tension in the shoulder, neck and scalp regions. These muscles will tighten on and around the blood vessels that nourish these muscles and so headache pain begins. Massage softens and lengthens the tissue to relieve the compression of the blood vessels in these areas. This allows for quicker muscle repair.
Numbness usually results from muscular compression against nerves and blood vessels. Again, massage will alleviate this compression. Intestinal disturbances can have many causes, but when it is due to nervousness and tension, massage will reduce blood pressure, release endorphins, thus calming the person and slowing down the autonomic nervous system. Brain fog can be alleviated by massage because of the increased circulation and oxygen to the brain. Many people with FMS report feeling a tremendous improvement in mental clarity and overall mental well being immediately after a massage (this due to the release of endorphins, serotonins and norepinephrines). Massage helps people with FMS obtain a good night’s sleep, because the muscle tension and knots are worked out, and pain and stiffness is reduced. A lighter form of massage, combined with some calming essential oils such as Chamomile, Lavender and Bergamot really seem to be of tremendous relief to FMS sufferers. Some other ways to alleviate symptoms are with heat applied to the muscles. Many people with FMS have a negative reaction to cold compresses and cold weather, and several of my clients have reported feeling an instant tightening and pain in their muscles as soon as they step out in cold air, or submerge themselves in a non-heated swimming pool. Many practitioners recommend regular, low impact exercise such as yoga, swimming in warm water, and walking. I have a client who swears by magnetized, hematite jewelry. Who knows, can’t hurt to try it! Another alternative resource is the following web site that uses diet, exercise and toxin release to help FMS sufferers http://curezone.com/dis/1.asp?C0=147 If you believe you might be suffering from FMS, make an appointment with your health care provider, and if they are not knowledgeable about FMS, make an appointment with a rheumatologist. Don’t believe anyone who says the pain is in your head or that it is a “catch all” diagnosis. Remember, it is your body and no one knows it like you do. Always be your own advocate. While to date, FMS can’t be cured, but you might be able to find some relief with massage.
Dacia Leggé is a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist who has experience caring for clients with Fibromyalgia. Appointments can be made in Whitney Point (607) 692-3961, Chenango Bridge (607) 648-4646 and Newark Valley (607) 821-8616. If you are house bound, massage can come to you. |
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