Fibromyalgia

 
Fibromyalgia and Massage   

     Fibro- (fibrous tissue) Myo- (muscle ) -algia (pain)

     Fibromyalgia is a common condition that has been characterized by chronic pain with tenderness throughout the body. It is classified as a rheumatic condition (one that impairs the joints and/ or the soft tissue) and as a syndrome (a collection of signs and symptoms that occur together.) Approximately 2 to 4 percent of the population (between 3 and 6 million Americans) suffer with this condition. Between 80 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are middle aged women.

     Fibromyalgia may cause many of the following problems:

          Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

          Sleep disturbances

          Memory loss/ cognitive disturbances ("fibro fog")

          Headaches

          Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea)

          Temperature sensitivity

          Morning stiffness

          Fatigue

          Numbness and tingling of the extremities (peripheral
             neuropathy)

          A variety of other symptoms

     Diagnosis is usually based on two criteria- widespread pain that lasts for three or more months, and the presence of trigger points (sensitive areas) in all four quadrants of the body

While fibromyalgia is often associated with some autoimmune diseases, that is not always the case. It may be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia, and some physicians do not believe that it is a real physical problem but is more of an emotional one. The frustration and stress of not being heard when in pain can be overwhelming.

     According to Science Daily (June 3, 2008), a study from the University of Michigan, published in "The Journal of Pain", suggests that fibromyalgia may be related to central nervous system abnormalities; resulting in a faulty perception of pain.
     Other potential factors in fibromyalgia suggest that sleep disturbance may contribute to the muscle pain, and it is possible that allergies may also be a factor in the painful syndrome.

     There are a variety of treatments for fibromyalgia: pain medications (analgesics), antidepressant medications which help to elevate certain chemicals in the brain that not only cause depression but fatigue and pain; Benzodiazepines that may assist the brain in sleep cycles and medications for irritable bowel syndrome. Other methods of treatment include Occupational or Physical Therapy, exercise, Naturopathy and herbal medications, dietary supplements, Accupuncture and Massage Therapy.
     In a recent study, it was found that both Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and connective tissue massage (which would include Neuromuscular Therapy and myofascial techniques) were effective in the relief of pain and in overall improvement of health status. MLD was preferred. Whatever the cause, connective tissue massage and manual lymph drainage may significantly reduce the number of active trigger points, inflammation and pain. I have advanced training in both of these methods of treatment. I may be able to help you, as I have helped many others with fibromyalgia.If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, follow your Dr.'s orders and ask about massage and Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) as an alternative treatment.


References:
1. Chatow, Leon ND,DO.. Fibromyalgia Syndrome - A Practitioner's Guide to Treatment, Churchill Livingstone, 2000


2. Chikly, Bruno, MD. Silent Waves Waves- Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy, 2nd Ed., I.H.H. Publishing, 2002


3. Foldi, Leon. Foldi's Textbook of Lymphology- for Physicians and Lymphedema Therapists- 2nd Ed. Urban &Fischer, 2006


4. Bakar Ekici G. et al. Comparison of manual lymph drainage therapy and connective tissue massage in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009 Feb;32(2):127-33


5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences, Public health Service,National Institutes Of

Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Questions and Answers about Fibromyalgia. NIH Publication No.04-5326. June 2004.


6. WWW.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/5/080531091216.html

This web-site should not be used for medical advice. Please consult your physician.