Massage and Fibromyalgia
Definitions: central nervous system
dysfunction causing many complex set of symptoms;
"fibro" - connective tissue of the tendons
and ligaments
"myo"- muscle
"algia" - pain
Syndrome - group of signs and symptoms
that make up a condition
"Myo" - muscle
"Fascia" - connective tissue that surrounds
muscle fibers.
Syndrome - see above
Fibromyalgia
Also known as or confused
with Fibrositis, Fibromyositis, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Epstein-Barr
Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Candida Infections
Connective
tissue disorder; group of symptoms
Causes: Unknown,
but may be related to sleep disorder, stress, overexertion, poor diet,
lack of exercise, immune system dysfunction, mercury poisoning, Epstein-Barr,
candida albicans, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue ,stressful event
or cumulative trauma; genetic predisposition? ; sleep deprivation or a lack of
deep stage sleep; adrenal stress, thyroid imbalances, hormonal imbalances, poor
nutrition (too much caffeine, sugar, white flour and not enough vegetables,
fruits and whole grains), lack of exercise, improper posture, hyper acidity of
the body tissues,
Signs/Symptoms: nine
pairs of tenderpoints, painful muscles usually of the neck, shoulders,
lower back, upper chest, TMJ; Also headaches, irritable bowel syndrome,
anxiety, palpitations, memory impairment, skin sensitivities, dizziness,
sensitivity to light, sensitivity to heat and cold, lack of concentration.
Fibromyalgia
-Tenderpoints: hypotonic areas that generate
local pain with pressure, usually feel soft (mushy) to touch found in all
four quadrants of the body.
-usually diagnosed if they have pain for
3 months or more in 11 (or more)of 18 tenderpoints
-found more in females |
Myofascial pain syndrome
- Triggerpoints- tight bands of hyper-irritable
tissue usually found in the myofascial system
-TP's are usually in one region of the
body
-found in men and women
-diagnosed by number of triggerpoints |
-don't wake up rested, no deep stage
sleep, sleep apnea
-paresthesia: burning, tingling, pins
an needles
-hypersensitivity to smells, sounds, lights,
pressure, temperature
-worse in cold, damp weather
-allergies, bruises easily, restless leg
syndrome, PMS, hormonal changes, teeth grinding
-depressed immune systems
-reduced mental capacity; loss of concentration,
memory loss
-limited or restricted breathing
-adhesions
-improper posture - forward head, asymmetrical
body,
-cramps, bloating
-asthma, sinus conditions, post nasal
drip
-hypoglycemia, sugar imbalances
-dry, itching skin
-dizziness, clumsiness, motor coordination
problems, ringing in the ears
-dry throat, eyes: problems swallowing,
Coexisting Conditions:
Irritable bowel Syndrome
Depression
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Esophageal Reflux
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
TMJ
Chemical Sensitivities
Hypoglycemia
Restless Leg Syndrome
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Indications: Massage for stress reduction,
removal of toxins tenderpoint relief, break up adhesions.
Contraindications:
Do not use anything that will add to inflammation such as heat; Often over
sensitive to touch. Refer to Naturopath and Acupuncturist for treatment.
Diet and Lifestyle changes necessary.
Massage Treatment Goals:
Fibromyalgia
-reduce stress
-induce relaxation and sleep
-treat tenderpoints (slowly as intense
may exacerbate condition) |
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- restore function to muscle
-relieve spasms
-reduce waste build up |
Other Treatments: Acupuncture,
Naturopathic medicine for nutritional support, exercise, stretching.
Natural Hygiene, Breathing Exercises,
Meditation
Web resources:
Fibromyalgia
Web Ring
Medline
Plus
Fibromyalgia
Network
Leon
Chaitow articles
Meyers
Cocktail IV
Digital Naturopath - Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue
Medline
Plus
Fibromyalgia
Network
Leon
Chaitow articles
Articles Online about Massage and Fibromyalgia
Research:
June 2006
MASSAGE Magazine Research: Mechanical Massage Improves Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Massage Therapy Foundation (pdf)
Medscape
- Massage Better Than Relaxation
Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Science Direct : Connective tissue massage in the treatment of fibromyalgia
Book Resources:
