Fibromyalgia, CFS and ME

All these conditions are chronic disorders that can cause immense physical pain and debilitating fatigue. These disorders can cause many different symptoms that can affect all parts of the body. The main symptom for these disorders is widespread musculoskeletal pain. This pain affects the ligaments, tendons, and muscles throughout the body. All these patients often feel like they are aching all over; their muscles feel sore, stiff, and overworked. Muscle twitches are also common, adding to the pain of the illness. Sometimes muscles can even feel like they are burning. These are chronic disorders, which mean that pain can continue for months and even years.

These disorders are very frustrating illnesses to have. This is because so few people truly understand the condition. It may be difficult for you to relate your pain to your friends and family but try to help them understand, ask them to think back to when they last had a bad bout with the flu. The memories of constant aches, pains, and fatigue may help them to understand what you are facing.

Massage therapy can really reduce the pain, stiffness, and tender points caused by these conditions. Massage therapy is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for chronic pain and fatigue. Massage therapy benefits include:

•increased blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair

•increased flexibility

•increased range of motion

•decreased stress and depression

•reduced pain

•reduced stiffness

•improved sleep patterns

In a survey completed by fibromyalgia sufferers, massage therapy was rated the best fibromyalgia treatment option by an overwhelming margin. In this 1996 study, fibromyalgia sufferers reported a 38% decrease in pain symptoms after receiving just ten, 30 minute massage sessions. They also reported a significant decrease in their sleep difficulties: they began sleeping for longer periods at a time and were disturbed less by sleep disorders. This information is taken from www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org.

One massage therapy treatment that has been growing in the treatment of chronic pain is deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage is effective because of its technique – consisting of slower, stronger massage that stimulates deep into muscles. Those suffering from these conditions may also find deep tissue massage to be quite therapeutic. Sufferers of chronic pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome may find significant relief from deep tissue massage. The pressure exerted on different groups of muscle tissue stimulates circulation in areas of pain. Deep tissue massage, however, is not for everyone. There can be mild to moderate discomfort during the massage as tight muscles are worked. And there can be a day or two of soreness following the deep tissue massage.

Many people start suffering from these conditions after an illness. These conditions can also affect children and older people alike. I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, since having pneumonia four years ago, and have found that deep tissue massage has been extremely beneficial in reducing muscle and joint pain. I also found natural pain relief in the form of aromatherapy gels and oils. I use specific oil mixes for clients who suffer from the above conditions and am now able to provide the gels to my clients. Please see www.markmears.org.uk and the advert in this magazine for more information on the gels.

Having experienced the benefits of deep tissue massage during the chronic phase of my own illness I undertook a course in deep tissue massage to help other people suffering with chronic pain. These conditions are chronic and may have been with you for a number of months or even years so one treatment is not going to cure you. I have a number of clients with these conditions who benefit from a continuing treatment programme. It may be that deep tissue massage is something that you will use weekly or monthly as part of your treatment regime. It may be that you cannot endure a one hour session and that a thirty minute session will be more appropriate. Ask about block bookings and discounts to get the best package for the treatment of your condition.