Fibromyalgia and Massage©
By Pam Pennington, LMT Oregon Lic #8027
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) are thought to suffer with this condition. Between 80 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are middle aged women.
Fibromyalgia may cause 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. The medical test for Fibromyalgia checks a set of 18 points, any 11 of them being reactive to light to moderate stimulation can lead to a dignosis of Fibromyalgia. The people with less than 11 active points still experience substanial pain.
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:
- Massage Therapy
- 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
- medications for irritable bowel syndrome
- Occupational or Physical Therapy
- exercise
- Naturopathy
- herbal medications,
- dietary supplements,
- Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
- Accupuncture
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. Pam has advanced training in both of these methods of treatment. Pam may be able to help you, as she has helped many others with fibromyalgia. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, follow your Doctor's orders and ask about massage and Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) as an alternative treatment. Not all doctors have heard that MLD is effective as a treatment for Fibromyalgia.
References:
1. Chatow, Leon ND,DO.. Fibromyalgia Syndrome - A Practitioner's Guide to Treatment, Churchill Livingstone, 2000
www.leonchaitow.com2. Chikly, Bruno, MD. Silent Waves Waves- Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy, 2nd Ed., I.H.H. Publishing, 2002
www.iahp.com/BrunoChikly
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.
www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp6. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/5/080531091216.html
For more information or an appointment call
Pam Pennington, LMT, CLT, CNMT Oregon Lic #8027
10175 SW Barbur Blvd.
Suite 210
Portland OR 97219
503-244-4427