Question about fibromyalgia

[Wayne Carr]

I have an old friend who's come in to see me a few times, diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I've read that Swedish generally works for fm, however she'd seen an MT before who she felt was just 'too light'. I've done some moderately deep tissue on her, mostly on the back and she loves it. But the entire area of her upper back is like cement, especially between her scapula. Nothing I do seems to loosen or soften it whatsoever.

Right now, she's on disability due to the pain. I'm just looking for some ideas tossed out by those who may be more in the know. Right now she comes in once a month. Should I suggest she come in more frequently? (I know $$ is an issue but I'd be willing to do a lower package deal with her if I have something to offer that I feel could help her) Would some stretching help, or just keep with DT? Heat? Are there any books or DVDs that might give me more techniques to try? Other areas I should concentrate on as well?

She says she feels great afterward but it's not lasting. Maybe that's just what is going to happen, given her condition? I don't know. Just hoping someone might have had some experience with this.

 

[twilight]

Question about fibromyalgia

FMS clients often have a high tolerance for discomfort. Those that do often indicate a preference for "deep" pressure, as if more was always better. But they are at substantially greater risk of tissue damage if you work very aggressively. There are some good threads on FMS on MassagePlanetL, and I also recommend this article: http://amtamassage.org/journal/pdf/CE-Fibromyalgia.pdf - It's a good CE article on treating FMS written by Leon Chaitow.

FMS is a chronic condition, but it isn't necessarily permanent. She will benefit from regular work, but more importantly she needs to take control of her health and proactively adopt behaviors (regular exercise, better nutrition, more sleep) that will help keep her symptoms under control with less medication. If she fails to do so, she will always be at a therapeutic disadvaneforum.xxxe. In any case, you can't provide her with permanent relief - that's part of the challenge of working with clients that have a chronic pain condition.

There are a number of good books on fibromyalgia, both treating it and on living with it. You may want the former for yourself and recommend the latter type to her.

Hope that helps!

 

[Jennie]

Question about fibromyalgia

You may want to view the videos on youtube.com by a Scottish Doctor: Dr. David Mikel - Mikel Therapy
He's posted some very interesting info related to fibromyalgia, linking it to the hypothalamus being in overdrive, creating the symptoms of FB, as well as other conditions. http://www.youtube.com/user/mtyrsi77#p/a/u/2/7CuGPRF3zXg

Very interesting concept as to the cause of this condition. Apparently he's had a high success rate with eliminating this condition. His website: http://www.mickeltherapy.com

While this won't help you decide how to treat your clients it's fascinating stuff to consider!

 

[Maira]

Question about fibromyalgia

The first thing that you will learn about working with fibro clients is that every one of them is different.
There are no hard and fast rules.
You may come to some generalizations after working with a good number over time...but NEVER assume.

You need to track very carefully to how they react to massage.
Have them keep notes on what's going on with their body for the week following a session.
Some can have a flare up after ANY bodywork.

Many do respond well to more deep tissue techniques - but I have found that many (not all) have to have a shorter session to start and then work up to an hour.

 

[Fertility Q]

Question about fibromyalgia

Another thing to remember about fibro patients is that none of us are alike, and, that we are not the same from one day to the next. Today I feel like I could climb Mt Everest. Yesterday and Saturday, it was all I could do to move around and get my work done. It varies w/ weather, mood, motion, position, etc. And, there is an emotional component that may or may not be present in each person. Fibro ain't fun and it's not funny either.

I've had it most of my life and know how to live with it for myself. I also know that when I tell an LMT "light" I mean light because it's what I can tolerate that day. Listen to what a fibro patient tells you - they usually know themselves way better than you ever will.

 

[Misc Tech Advice]

Question about fibromyalgia

I have been meaning to post you some cross-links from the forum, in case you haven't had an opportunity to find those yet.

But, by no means am I suggesting that because we have other threads on the subject, people should stop responding. As a matter of fact, if someone is new to the forum and just now reading these, I hope to encourage you to add your two cents in, even if they are old threads!

I also found this comment over in the Reflexology Section today.

The most common ailment I see is definitely fibromyalgia. It seems these people are desperately looking for someone who can help them and are willing to try anything. I've obviously never "cured" someone and don't claim to try but I can't wait until I've had a fibro client for several years so we can look back at the progress.

Cross links:

• Fibromyalgia and CST
• Curious about fibromyalgia clients - a poll
• FIBROMYALGIA MASSAGE - DOES ANYONE SPECIALIZE
• Can you feel fibromyalgia areas?
• Any therapists with Fibromyalgia?
• Fibromyalgia treatment plans
• Fibromyalgia Techniques
• Fibro
• how to use sombra - this thread mentions using it for fybromyalgia clients.
• Fibromyalgia
• FIBROMYALGIA
• fibromyalgia massage
• Tiger Balm - this thread mentions using it for fybromyalgia clients.
• Massage techniques for fibromyalgia?

 

[im l]

Question about fibromyalgia

I would agree the fibro patients are all different, as they all have different levels of pain versus levels of fatigue. Honestly, especially in the neck and shoulders area, I would avoid deep pressure. I would also avoid any big stretches of the neck other than very slowly directly to the left or right. The clients may be able to handle these things, but they will pay for it later and it can really make them regress. I'd avoid any type of elblows into the back type work. Most fibro patients have neck and shoulder pain, hip pain, pain in their hands and feet, and digestive problems. I've found abdominal massage for fibro clients can really help relax them and also help with their digestive system. Most fibro can handle moderate pressure on massage, but I'd avoid any deep tissue massage and avoid using arms or elbows for pressure on their backs...It can really be difficult for fibro patients to even describe their pain because their symptoms/pain spots can change from day to day. I've yet to have a fibro patient that didn't have terrible neck and shoulder stiffness, hip pain, and some type of digestive issues. One other thing, make sure you use heating pads and keep the client warm, because many fibromyalgia patients suffer from cold hands and and feet and poor circulation.

 

[raiders_fan479]

Question about fibromyalgia

I've had a few fibro clients and like everyone here has already said they are all different. I tailor their massage to what they night but I've found that mixing up my modalities really works well. I do some MFR and positional release to address their painful areas. I also usually through in some CranioSacral therapy. CST is one thing that all of my fibro clients have said helps them sleep better that night.

 

[EnigMA]

Question about fibromyalgia

http://www.fibrofit.com/

I have so many fibromyalgia patients lately I was thinking of taking a course here to learn how to treat them in the most effective ways.