by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia, Massage, Massage, Treatments
One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is extreme sensitivity to touch, so it�s understandable that some people with fibromyalgia avoid getting massages. However, they are missing out on something great.
Massage treatment might seem like the very opposite approach to take for fibromyalgia pain, but the right amount of pressure and manipulation can actually do a lot for your congested muscles and tissues. In reality, massage is a perfect natural remedy for fibromyalgia. Therapeutic kneading will stimulate blood flow, eliminate metabolic waste, and lengthen muscle fibers. The right fibromyalgia massage treatment will work within the limits of your condition to release pockets of tension, and improve your physical wellbeing and quality of life.
Recommended Fibromyalgia Massage Treatment
There are many types of therapeutic massage treatments, and the right style for your fibromyalgia pain will respect your muscle sensitivity and particular pain issues. Stick with these massage techniques for the most healing benefits:
- Swedish massage techniques. This classic relaxation technique ��using the hands, arms or mechanical means ��will gently manipulate tense muscles to relieve long-standing tension.
- Myofascial release. Focusing on the connective tissue called fascia, this technique aims to release pressure where the tissues connect to the bones. Muscles will relax and lengthen, leaving more space for the organs to expand.
- Reflexology. A safe and gentle approach that stimulates points on the hands and feet that are believed to be connected to various organs and tissues. This may help to relax certain areas that would be difficult to stimulate directly.
- Cranial-sacral therapy (CST). Using very mild pressure on strategic points at the base of the skull and along the length of the spine, the CST therapist can detect interruptions in the flow of spinal fluid, and improve the balance and function of every muscle area.
Massages to Avoid
The types of massage that are out of the question if you don�t like touch because of sensitivity include:
Thai massage treatment. It puts you through different poses for an entire hour.
Reflexology foot massage treatment. Presses on reflexology points that often hurt.
Barefoot massage treatment. The massage therapist walks on your back while holding onto a supportive rack suspended from the ceiling.
Rolfing/structural integration. You�ll feel beat up with this one.
Before proceeding with any fibromyalgia massage, be sure to consult a healthcare professional who has properly diagnosed your condition and who has recommended you to follow up with any of the above mentioned therapies. Preventing further aggravation of any type of symptoms is best to promote a healthier lifestyle and improve overall symptoms.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez
While fibromyalgia has been known to cause symptoms of chronic pain, many individuals with the condition avoid massage or other forms of similar treatment to avoid aggravating their symptoms. However, massage therapy performed by a qualified healthcare professional can not only be beneficial, it can help reduce and manage the pain caused by fibromyalgia.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Fibromyalgia, Remedies
Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by muscle pain, joint pain and fatigue.
Patients who suffer from fibromyalgia usually feel these symptoms:
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Unbearable pain
- Chronic tiredness
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleep disorder problems
- Concentration problems
- Depression
Physicians will diagnose someone with fibromyalgia if they show positive reactions to 11 of 18 specific tender areas of the body.
For a disease with no known cause, fibromyalgia sure affects a lot of people, at least 5 million in the U.S. alone. That�s about an estimated 2�4% of the population! Now, what�s strange about fibromyalgia is that it seems to affect more women than men, as 9 out of 10 people who reportedly suffer from fibromyalgia are female.
Treating Fibromyalgia With Conventional Drugs
Since the leading symptom of fibromyalgia seems to be muscle and body pain, scientists and doctors have tried to treat the symptoms with conventional drugs including NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), pain killers and antidepressants. However, these methods of treatment don�t seem to work very well.
First of all, most analgesics are very mild, and given the level of chronic pain that a majority of people experience, the results aren�t very effective at all. If you have fibromyalgia, chances are you�re suffering from all sorts of pains and aches, and taking multiple drug combinations can lead to serious side effects that can drastically interfere with how you live day-to-day life.
Furthermore, taking different combinations of drugs can result in a real problem, especially when you want to slow down or stop the medication. In many cases, some of these pain relievers can be quite addicting, and have some serious side effects!
Causes and Remedies for Fibromyalgia
There can be many contributing factors to fibromyalgia, including chronic inflammation, gluten intolerance, emotional and physical stress.
If an individual really wants to fix the problem, you must address the root cause. Many studies suggest that certain lifestyle changes can be more than enough to keep fibromyalgia at bay.
If you�re looking for natural remedies for fibromyalgia, consider the following:
Eat Anti-inflammatory Nutrients
Inflammation can cause a range of health problems, including muscle and joint pain. A German study found that anti-inflammatory antioxidants like Quercetin (found in black and green teas, red onion, broccoli, tomato) can naturally reduce inflammation that can help fibromyalgia. Also, omega-3 fats can naturally reduce inflammation. If you�re going to purchase a fish oil, make sure you only buy a high-quality fish oil, high in antioxidants like astaxanthin and low in mercury. Additionally, turmeric can reduce inflammation associated with fibromyalgia as well.�Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may prevent and slow cancer growth, protect against liver disease and help reduce symptoms of digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. While simply adding turmeric to your daily cooking will increase consumption and enhance flavor, there are other methods to boost intake and encourage possible inflammation reduction.
Go Gluten-Free
One in seven people are gluten intolerant, and I�d even say that most people don�t do well with gluten. Gluten is a protein found in most grains like wheat. I�d start by eliminating all grains except for brown rice and quinoa. Gluten can lead to neurological problems, weight gain, inflammation, muscle pain and fatigue. Many people have gone gluten-free and have seen some incredible results because of it.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
A review in Neuroscientist found significant association between fibromyalgia and physical and sexual abuse in both adults and children. If you haven�t dealt with past issues in your life, I strongly encourage you to find a good counselor who can help you begin to heal emotionally. Another great place to start is by reading The Bondage Breaker�by Neil Anderson. Also, schedule some fun and relaxation into your life. Stress can raise cortisol levels and inflammation markers which contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
Research published in Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology reports neck trauma causing spinal, joint and muscular injuries increases the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Chiropractic care works to correct spinal misalignments and correct posture through spinal adjustments and rehabilitative spinal exercises.� Also, patients with fibromyalgia have been shown to have hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Upper cervical spinal adjustments have been shown to have a positive effect by decreasing hyperactivity.
Address Nutritional Deficiencies
A study of 41 people with fibromyalgia found that taking five grams of D-Ribose�(an organic compound) three times�daily showed significant improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms. Also, studies have shown supplementing with magnesium�can help with fibromyalgia symptoms and� physicians recommend taking 250�300 milligrams twice daily. Some magnesium-rich foods include�pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cocoa, almonds, spinach, halibut and black beans.
Is someone in your family suffering from fibromyalgia? I�d love to hear your thoughts on fibromyalgia and conditions like chronic fatigue.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: draxe.com
If you�ve suddenly been feeling pain and discomfort in your body, along with symptoms of fatigue, for some inexplicable reason, then you could be suffering from fibromyalgia, which affects hundreds of thousands of people between the ages of 20�50, most commonly women. Fortunately, a few natural remedies can be used to control the symptoms of this painful condition.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
