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DIAGNOSIS
The classical diagnosis of primary FMS includes
documenting at least 11 out of the 18 characterized
tender points over the body. When the symptoms of
widespread pain, weakness, and fatigue exist with these
classic tender points, in the face of completely normal
blood tests and x-rays, read more...... |
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Judith Koch, NCTMB
Nationally Certified
Massage Therapist
(866) 328-9703
Massage Video Sales is approved by the National Certification Board for
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a continuing education provider
under Category A. |
   
FIBROMYALGIA Key Words
Inflammation: A characteristic
reaction of tissues to injury or disease. It is marked by
four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
Joint: A junction where two
bones meet. Most joints are composed of cartilage, joint
space, fibrous capsule, synovium, and ligaments.
Joint space: The volume
enclosed within the fibrous capsule and synovium.
Ligaments: Bands of cordlike
tissue that connect bone to bone. Muscle: A structure
composed of bundles of specialized cells that, when
stimulated by nerve impulses, contract and produce movement.
Myopathies: Inflammatory and
noninflammatory diseases of muscle.
Myositis: Inflammation of a
muscle.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):A
group of drugs, such as aspirin and aspirin-like drugs, used
to reduce inflammation that causes joint pain, stiffness,
and swelling.
Raynaud's phenomenon: A
circulatory condition associated with spasms in the blood
vessels of the fingers and toes causing them to change
color. After exposure to cold, these areas turn white, then
blue, and finally red.
Remission: A period during
which symptoms of disease are reduced (partial remission) or
disappear (complete remission). |
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Therapeutic benefits of massage have
been proven in a wide variety of conditions, and fibromyalgia and
chronic fatigue syndrome are no exception.
In a
study comparing massage therapy to transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation, the massage resulted in improved sleep patterns,
decreased pain, less fatigue, fewer incidences of anxiety and
depression, and decreased cortisol levels. In addition to being
listed on the Touch Research Institute web page, this study was
published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, volume 2, pages
18 – 22.
The
European Journal of Pain published a recent study showing that
massage relieved pain, reduced depression, and improved the
quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. General studies on
massage prove that it lowers levels of stress hormones, increases
production of serotonin in the brain, and leads to improved sleep.
All of these results benefit fibromyalgia patients.
The Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Volume 3, Number 3, 1997
included a study of massage which indicated that patients
receiving one-half hour of massage twice a week for five weeks
showed less depression, pain, cortisol levels, anxiety, stress and
increases in dopamine levels and enhanced sleep. The patient’s
decrease in symptoms began immediately after receiving the first
massage, and continued to decrease throughout the duration of the
study.
Generally speaking, massage provides many physiological benefits
for every system of the body.
Cardiovascular system: increased
blood flow, which in turn assists in the delivery of nutrients and
the removal of waste
Endocrine system: better delivery of hormones to the glands
and tissues.
Muscular system: decrease in chronic tension
Skeletal system: easier mobility
Lymphatic system: movement of lymph
Respiratory system: releasing tension in the intercostals
muscles, allowing the lungs to open more fully
Digestive system: improved peristalsis
Parasympathetic nervous system: decreased blood pressure,
lowered heart rate, slowed breathing, overall relaxation, improved
sleep patterns during which time the body can naturally restore
itself
Reproductive system: reduced PMS symptoms
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