Fixing Fibromyalgia
November 3, 2009 – 1:21 pmBecause the symptoms of fibromyalgia wax and wane, treatment (as with that of other chronic diseases) should be considered an ongoing process rather than management of a single episode. Flare-ups often exacerbate the client’s underlying stress. Furthermore, stress can also precipitate flare-ups of fibromyalgia. The first line of defense for relieving basic fibromyalgic symptoms should be body therapy and exercise.
Although pain from this condition primarily manifests in specifically designated areas, the trained manual therapist refrains from “chasing the pain” and instead, seeks to restore whole body function by testing for ART: asymmetry; restriction of motion; and tissue texture abnormality. Postural evaluations using Vladimir Janda, M.D.’s Upper and Lower Crossed Syndromes have proven extremely beneficial in identifying asymmetrical muscle imbalance patterns that exasperate fibromyalgic symptoms. Specific hands-on techniques that lengthen tight, neurologically facilitated muscles and Tone, inhibited muscles helps restore balance and symmetry while fighting off the compressive forces of gravity. Tissue texture abnormalities must be closely evaluated in clients presenting with fibromyalgic symptoms. Boggy, leathery, fibrotic, contractured, and spasmodic tissues are potential pain generators, with each requiring a uniquely different hands-on approach.
Here is the discussion… Fibromyalgia is a disorder with no widely accepted medical proof. It is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms of widespread pain and tender points as well as fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders. While scientists at the present time have found no generally accepted way to medically document the existence of fibromyalgia, it has been proven that there are physiological changes present in many who have the disorder. The debate will continue to rage as to its origin and existence. Some insist that it is a medical condition while others are convinced that it is a mental health issue. What is your take on this?
26 Responses to “Fixing Fibromyalgia”
To say that it is mind over matter or vise versa takes out the mind, body, spirit connection. In working with clients suffering from the symptoms from diagnosed “fibromyalgia” and sometimes others that I think are suffering but not diagnosed I know it is very real. To live in constant physical pain becomes an exhausting mental game. Therefore, my take is that it is indistinguishable you need to treat the whole person.
By Jeanette Jones on Nov 7, 2009
I have read the article based on the Fibromyalgia and is information.I know that Fibromyalgia is a disorder with no widely accepted medical proof. It is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms of widespread pain and tender points as well as fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders.It can be cured with respectable treatment if it is operated in limit.I want to know suggestion from others.
By slimming pills on Nov 9, 2009
I feel Fibromyalgia is a medical condition. My fibro clients have had tight myofascia, muscles locked in their shortened positions, and terrible pain. With massage the muscles lenghten myofascia relaxes and the pain is greatly reduced.
By Ken Elwood on Nov 9, 2009
Definitely an important piece of this complex condition Ken…thx.
By Erik Dalton on Nov 9, 2009
Dr. Elmer Green, head of the biofeedback department at the Menninger Foundation used to lecture us on the role of the limbic system. He reminded us of it’s function as the highest cortical level regulating muscle tone. “The limbic system functions much like a reservoir of water (representing stress or anxiety)” he would say.
Good and bad stress is accumulated daily on a conscious or unconscious level and over the course of a lifetime, the reservoir begins to fill. Some people are able to control the level of their “stress-reservoir” through exercise, psychotherapy, touch therapy, etc. and the water level remains low enough that any unexperienced stressor(s) can be easily contained.
However, some individuals experience greater life-stressors than others– both emotionally and physically–and the reservoir begins to fill. Some possess a nervous system with a genetic predisposition (lower tollerance) to stress causing higher water levels. No matter the cause, when a person’s stress-reservoir reaches the top, any additional daily stressor (big or small) causes the water to spill over into a partial or full-blown anxiety attack. Oddly, the individual may not respond as if she’s experiencing a panic attack….everyone handles it differently.
As fight-flight hormones are secreted into the bloodstream, some may cry out and others ‘stuff’ their feelings. Emotions have ‘mass weight’ and are buried somewhere in the tissue. Many speculate that stored emotions end up in fascial tissue. We do know that when a baby is pin-pricked, the startle reflex is activated and the baby curls into the safety of the fetal position (mommas’ womb). The first muscles activated are in the solar plexus region, i.e., stomach, diaphragm, abdominal muscles, etc.
And we wonder why the planet is sick with reflux disease, ulcers, hiatal hernias, fibromyalgia, etc. Each year, America and other industrialized nations purchase enough Tums and Nexium to fill a football stadium and the problem continues to escalate.
The question is, “What can we as touch therapists do to best address this anxiety-ridden, depressed and hurting population?”
By Erik Dalton on Nov 11, 2009
What I have experienced, since the last three years that my Fibro Patients have been HYDRATING at the CELLULAR level, the pain has greaatly dimminished, they have MORE Energy, Better SLEEP and a HUGE decrease in inflamation, and that is where it all starts at the cellular level. They dont teach this part in school. You cant do this with just plain water, but you need some help. e-mail me if you want more info. We have had HUGE response in our Winnipeg support/study group. xooma@mts.net
By Steven on Nov 17, 2009
Just received word that Robert Schleip will be contributing a chapter to my upcoming Myoskeletal Alignment book. Will be interested to hear what new neurofascial discoveries he and his cohorts at Ulm University are coming up with. Other book contributors include dignitaries such as Serge Gracovetsky, Tom Myers, Art Riggs, Jerry Hesch, Til Luchau, and Philip Greenman. Hope to get Gil Hedley to contibute a dissection chapter if time permits.
By Erik Dalton on Nov 18, 2009
Ayurveda recognizes fibromyalgia as primarily a Vata disorder often due to the accumulation of stress and toxins in the system. Lifestyle factors that contribute to stress must be addressed, a diet that calms the nervous system and is easily digested is key along with helpful herbs and meditation. Bodywork that doesn’t overstimulate the system, which can lead to fatigue and increased pain can also be helpful. Daily self massage with medicated oils is recommended. Ayurveda is a comprehensive holistic approach individualized for each person’s unique constitution and condition. There is ample information on the web.
By Sophie Hawkins on Nov 22, 2009
In 2006, I authored an article (http://erikdalton.com/article%20Fibromyalgia%20Fact%20or%20Fiction.pdf) which offers a broad viewpoint with biological and psychological references included. Of course, much exciting research has surfaced since then including ongoing functional magnetic resonance imaging studies at Stanford University’s Neuroimaging and Pain Lab led by Dr. Sean Mackey. Using cutting-edge technology, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain patients use futuristic real-time imaging to visually assess and decrease pain by watching and relocating the activation of cerebral areas involved in their chronic pain.
In a splendid article from the National Fibromyalgia Association titled “Understanding Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia: A Review of Recent Discoveries”, Robert Bennett MD, stated, “The good news is that contemporary research is hot on the track of unraveling the changes that occur within the nervous system of fibromyalgia patients. The basic message is that fibromyalgia cannot be considered a primarily psychological disorder, but as in many chronic conditions, psychological factors play a role in who becomes disabled and may even up-regulate central nervous system changes that are the root cause of the problem.”
It’s tempting to become “married” to a favorite research study and mentally “box” the issue and put it to bed. If therapists were forced to wait on research to guide every move, we would have no visionaries such as Fred Mitchell Sr., Ida Rolf, and William Sutherland. Sometimes “in the trench” clinical researchers must take the lead.
Recall that there are two basic categories of medical research: Basic Science and Clinical Research. The label “Basic Science” refers to research that seeks to increase our understanding of various aspects of a disorder, from the rates at which it occurs in the population to the biological mechanisms responsible for its symptoms. On the other hand, “Clinical Research” refers to the study of clients/patients in a clinical setting (i.e. hospital, touch therapy clinics, etc.). The empirical evidence discovered here is both designed to improve treatment protocols and advance basic science research and vice-versa.
The emotional component of pain is multifactorial and includes past experiences, genetic factors, general state of health, depression, coping mechanisms, and beliefs and fears surrounding the pain diagnosis. Importantly, thoughts as well as other sensations can influence the sensory pain input to consciousness as well as the emotional coloring of the pain sensation.
Bottom Line: Pain causes stress, which may result in anxiety, depression, and inappropriate behavior (causing disability due to secondary psychological distress). Fortunately, the modern era of psychological imaging is providing an important new framework for understanding these emotional states.
By Erik Dalton on Nov 24, 2009
The important thing to remember with fibro is that there is a strong emotional component to the disease. I guess it could be a chicken or egg debate as to whether the pain causes the stress or the stress causes the pain, but I whole-heartedly believe the latter results in symptoms I commonly find in my clients with fibro.
Bodywork helps, exercise and nutrition are fantastic at limiting the flares, but the root of the problem is likely an emotional issue that needs to be dealt with (& not thru medication). I have found that a combination of regular Thai and occasional swedish (with firmer pressure) tends to give the best results from a body work prospective.
By melissa milewicz on Dec 3, 2009
Having recovered from 2 bouts of Epstein Barre, I definitely believe that fibro is a medical condition. However what precipitates that condition is an important question. My second case of EB was precipitated directly from a severe PTSD episode, clearly and emotional, ie, limbic response.
In my practice as an NMT and movement specialist, I have several fibro clients who have expressed to me that it is the movement work (specialized rehabilitative Pilates and Gyrotonic) that allows them to sleep better, exercise and get out of the negative spiral of fibro.
I do include hands on work (thank you Paul St John and Eric Dalton) with strong emphasis on asymmetries and postural compensation patterns, then strength building. Fibro folks need to be able to exercise enough to enjoy life, it is, it a way, self massage and, in my experience, many fibro clients are hypermobile.
That’s my two cents.
By Kerry O'Brien on Dec 10, 2009
I would like to add that thinking of fibro and “an emotional” illness is not helpful and it is very easy to blame the patient who actually needs compassion. The book at the top of my must read list for my clients and for every therapist is “When The Body Says No” by Dr. Gabor Mate. An amazing dissection of disease that does not place blame, but looks at how guilt, shame, judgement and poor nurturing set up the conditions for disease, detailed with the utmost compassion by a doctor who works in end of life care.
By Kerry O'Brien on Dec 10, 2009
I have been very interested in the debate going on about Fibromyalgia. Is it mental or physical. I happen to be a nurse and a fellow Fibro patient. I can tell you that I do not suffer from a mental of “emotional” disorder. Yes the pain is incredible. Who could help but to become depressed when you have been lying in a bed for months at a time and it takes all the strength you have just to walk to the bathroom (with assistance from who ever happens to be there). Yes a balance in a persons life has to take place. Yes, we have to learn how to listen to our body more. However, your view that there is some “emotional” baggage that we need to take care of before we can move on is ignorant. I have a wonderful massage therapist who does wonders for me. I am just glad that she doesn’t view my “emotional” trama or whatever as an issue to be dealt with and not thru medication! I practice a wonderful life with a balance of medication and alternative therapies. Perhaps before you state we need to deal with our “emotional” issues you should take a walk in our shoes. The very idea that this is psychological is truly amazing to me. Why would anyone choose to feel this horible?!? I hope that you are able to continue with your Thai Chi and you have the strength and energy to do so. I hope you never experience the kind of pain and physical limitations we deal with on a daily basis.
By Christen Loendorf on Feb 20, 2010
Thank you.
By Christen Loendorf on Feb 20, 2010
Ive found with the majority of my Patients they ALL have one thing in common and that is water, or lack of. Out of my last 28 New Patients, the average water consumption was 6 ounces. When I introduced them to intracellular hydration via the Extreme X20, with the addition of Omega 3/70, we found a remarkable change, mostly with a HUGE decrease in Pain, they experienced MORE energy and better sleep. My fibromyalgia Patients also experienced other results, but more studies are under way…
By steven hanks, MB, RMT on Mar 5, 2010
please forgive me, i didn’t mean to imply that this was an issue that is all in one’s mind. my feeling after working with so many fibro clients is that the vast majority have had some kind of emotional trauma that they have never been able to truly come to terms with. it becomes a part of them. from my admittedly anecdotal evidence i hypothesize that there is a strong emotional component that goes along with the flares. this is certainly not anything i would ever say directly to a client, as it is not within my scope as a massage therapist to do so, but i have strongly urged people to try talk therapy with a trained therapist. isn’t it interesting that my post was meant to stir discussion and (as it has) bring emotions to the surface? i am happy you have found something that works to limit your pain. i wish everyone with fibro could find that relief. i also hope that you see that medicating with antidepressants is not going to be the most beneficial, and that was all I was trying to invoke. please accept my sincere appology if i have offended you! that was not my intention.
By melissa milewicz on Mar 5, 2010
View the new “Science Behind Fibromyalgia” video at: http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9455View
The 60-second PSA reveals recent scientific findings attributing fibromyalgia (FM) to a problem of the central nervous system, involving the brain and the spinal cord.
Using functional MRI scans, researchers have discovered that people with FM have increased activity in the areas of the brain dealing with pain, resulting in an abnormal response and a hyper-sensitivity to painful stimulus. This information is important because it gives legitimacy to an illness previously believed by many in the medical profession to be a psychosomatic condition. The NFA hopes to change that attitude with the PSA and continues to raise funds to increase the distribution of “The Science Behind Fibromyalgia” campaign.
By Erik Dalton on Mar 5, 2010
Hi Erik,
Bummer but the link doesn’t go there. Did they remove the PSA?
By Kerry O'Brien on Mar 5, 2010
Sorry…will try to get the link up again. Maybe you have to be a member of the American Fibromyalgia Association to see it…thx for the heads-up.
By Erik Dalton on Mar 5, 2010
Sorry, the wrong link: http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9455&...
What really ‘gags’ me about this beautifully produced fibromyalgia clip — other than the absence of new information on why FM patient’s brains process pain differently — is that it was funded by a drug company…Pfizer!
I suppose someone’s gotta pay and the drug companys definitely have the $$$ but I always question their research motives, i.e., goals. Are they constructing the studies based around a new drug they’ve created or are they trying to find a cure?
Getting cynical in my old age but in my defence, I do hear some unbelievable stories from my daughter who’s a 4th year Internal Medicine resident and her husband, a genetic pharmacological researcher.
How many of your FM diagnosed clients seem to benefit from an all natural approach, i.e., massage, diet, exercise, chiropractic vs drug therapy?
By Erik Dalton on Mar 6, 2010
I did my own study of fm clients over a 5 year time frame. I went to every fm workshop in my area given by MD’s and other health care professionals. I talked to a reseach scientist who had a daughter-in-law with fm. The information obtained was very enlightning.
1. Every single client with fm was Type A personalty.
2. 85% had thyroid problems- one from adolescence.
3. Two women went through menopause completely in less than 2 months- had labs to show no hormones. Very likely a hormone marker somewhere in the body.
4. The most successful treatments other than massage were found by the clients:
A. Riding on a tractor with the bounce helped one woman with pain.
B. Organic diet high in vegetables, filtered or distilled water helped one woman get off all drugs but Soma. She also quit her high stress job, her husband went on the road without her, she stopped alcohol and tobacco.
Perhaps our grandmother’s way of life had advantages.
C.Nikken magnetic mattress helped one client so much that she didn’t need massage-not good for the business end unless you sell Nikken products.
I also gently scanned the body to find trigger/pain points. This enabled me to work on only the areas that caused pain without stressing the client with deep tissue work that is not needed in almost every case.
By Marjess Tovar, RN, LMT on Apr 26, 2010
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after suffering from a severe infection of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. There is no relationship to “emotional baggage” in my illness, but a true haywire of my nervous system caused by a Rickettsial disease. They say that many people contract fibromyalgia after a severe illness or injury. I also believe that most people carry some emotional “baggage” that can manifest itself in any of a number of physical symptoms.
By Margaret on Jun 11, 2010
I agree and I have HUGE success with Myofascial Emotional release as well as the X20.
Please keep in mind our bodies run at about 1.5 volts of electricity and when there is an interuption in the current as they say, we experience more abnormalities. this is why the X20 is so important in restoring it…
By steven hanks, MB, RMT on Jun 12, 2010
As a person who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I can tell by some of the comments, people just don’t get it or refuse to because they can’t except someone “looking Normal” but being ill.
There is no “cure” for Fibromyalgia however there are ways to “appease” the symtoms. I am always open to ideas that help me. Medications, Chiropractor, Accupunture,diet, mild exercise,oils, mineral baths.
Let me say that I am in full agreement with Margaret. There is no relationship to “emotional baggage” and my illness either.(Melissa needs to educate herself better before speaking-this is the kind of person I do wish could experience what Fibromyalgia patients experience-then there would be a little better understanding and a little compassion for others). I didn’t have some big illness or injury that was my onset. I have had this for years long before diagnosed and didn’t realize it. It just started – one day I was wrestling with my children and it was excruciatingly painful and I began to bruise just as easily. No reason, nothing traumatic happened. It just is what it is and you learn to live with it. You have to take control of your care at that point. You can’t simply relay on medical professionals or others because there isn’t enough knowledge about it and everyone is effected differently.
just my thoughts
Kelly
By Kelly on Feb 14, 2011
Thanks for your thoughts Kelly. I’ve had many FMS people come-and-go in the past 31 years of bodywork and they’ve all taught me a little more about what symptoms my therapy can help and which don’t respond. There was a bunch of exciting new fascial research presented at last years International World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain that may shed new light on this mysterious condition and hopefully will lead to improved therapy and home care.
By Erik Dalton on Feb 14, 2011
Awesome post and a Happy Valentines Day for all. What we found in almost every single case of fibro patients that they wern’t properly Hydrated, and we’re talkin intracellular and their PH was not balanced. Its very simple but for some reason, too complex for most to grasp. They dont teach this in the schools…Guess what? Now you know…Share it with the world….
By steven hanks, MB, RMT on Feb 14, 2011