spa|fibromyalgia: a mystery demystified
The most commonly reported symptoms include widespread changing pain, stiffness after rest, poor stamina, debilitating fatigue, memory and concentration problems (this is sometimes called “fibro fog”).
of bodywork are usually better received than massage that is more intrusive. This won’t come as a surprise to any experienced massage therapist, but it is always good to be able to point to an evidence base when we are communicating with clients and their health care providers.
“fibro fog”
Symptoms and diagnosis The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary greatly from one person to another; they can even vary from day to day in the same person. The most commonly reported symptoms include widespread changing pain, stiffness after rest, poor stamina, debilitating fatigue, memory and concentration problems (this is sometimes called “fibro fog”), sensitivity amplification, gastrointestinal pain, headaches and tender points. Not surprisingly, anxiety and depression are frequently seen in these patients as well. As you can see from this very wide range of symptoms, fibromyalgia includes symptoms that are characteristic in any number of complex, difficult conditions. Part of getting to a clear diagnosis means ruling out a lot of potentially serious and even scary conditions like MS, lupus, Lyme disease, hypothyroidism and several others. Further, fibromyalgia can easily occur simultaneously with other conditions, making its identification and treatment even more challenging. The most current way to diagnose this condition is more nuanced than the traditional “11 out of 18 active tender points” method. The American College of Rheumatology suggests using two carefully constructed surveys that measure pain and symptom severity.
lifestyle
Recognize their trust We must recognize that a person with fibromyalgia takes a big risk when she makes an appointment for a massage. She trusts the therapist to take her and her pain seriously, even though she has no identifiable signs of a disease. She trusts them not to hurt her, even though other medical professionals may not have understood how delicate she is; and she trusts that when they help her let go of pain, even for just an hour, they will appreciate the person behind the symptoms. In other words, to recognize that she is not a “fibromyalgia patient.” She is a whole, vital, valuable person who happens to have fibromyalgia. That fact can be hard to hold onto when you live in chronic pain, and we can all help our clients remember it. What a gift we have to offer! n *Illustrations by Lily Werner
What can massage do? People with fibromyalgia are typically treated with combinations of counseling and education about a healthy diet, along with medication, exercise and high quality sleep. The medications commonly used for this condition include analgesics, low-doses of antidepressants and mild anti-seizure drugs that interrupt the central sensitization process. The research about massage therapy for fibromyalgia is generally positive. Massage has been shown to reduce pain and improve sleep. Many studies suggest that a multidisciplinary treatment is the most effective, and lighter types
Ruth Werner is a writer and National Certifi cation Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork approved provider of continuing education for massage therapists. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its fifth edition. Werner currently serves as president of the Massage Therapy Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education and community service. Contact her at werner87@peak.net.
Page 52 • LNEONLINE.com Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa • November 2013