When a client came to me last week saying that she'd just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I seized the opportunity to learn some more about the condition.
Fibromyalgia is a longterm condition that causes pain all over the body. Sufferers may also have increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, IBS, poor sleep patterns, difficulties with memory, restless leg syndrome, anxiety and dizziness among other other things
Symptoms can be cyclical with some periods being worse than others, and can be the result of stress, amount of physical activity or even the weather.
The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is unclear. Women are 7 times more likely than men to develop it, usually between the ages of 30-50 but it can occur at any age.
Factors that may contribute to the condition include;
Changes to chemicals in the body that are linked to the central nervous system and how pain is carried around the body.
Low levels of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, the hormones that regulate mood, appetite, sleep and responses to stress. It is thought that cortisol is also a contributory factor to developing Fibromyalgia.
The condition is also triggered often by a stressful, traumatic event, either physical or emotional.
Having Fibro' can lead to a number of rheumatic conditions such as lupus, osteo & rheumatoid athritis.
Treatment can involve any number of therapies both as a physical and emotional support, as well as a combination of drugs to help regulate hormones and alleviate depression.
As far as massage is concerned, treatment would only be advised when the condition was in a quiet stage and then only with pressure that is comfortable for the client. Massage with essential oils can induce a sense of calm in the client and reduce the feelings of stress that come with having the condition, enabling them to relax and prepare the body for a more restful nights sleep. Treatment would also reduce muscle soreness and tightness around the neck and shoulders that can result in headaches and migraines for sufferers.
Fibromyalgia is a longterm condition that causes pain all over the body. Sufferers may also have increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, IBS, poor sleep patterns, difficulties with memory, restless leg syndrome, anxiety and dizziness among other other things
Symptoms can be cyclical with some periods being worse than others, and can be the result of stress, amount of physical activity or even the weather.
The exact cause of Fibromyalgia is unclear. Women are 7 times more likely than men to develop it, usually between the ages of 30-50 but it can occur at any age.
Factors that may contribute to the condition include;
Changes to chemicals in the body that are linked to the central nervous system and how pain is carried around the body.
Low levels of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, the hormones that regulate mood, appetite, sleep and responses to stress. It is thought that cortisol is also a contributory factor to developing Fibromyalgia.
The condition is also triggered often by a stressful, traumatic event, either physical or emotional.
Having Fibro' can lead to a number of rheumatic conditions such as lupus, osteo & rheumatoid athritis.
Treatment can involve any number of therapies both as a physical and emotional support, as well as a combination of drugs to help regulate hormones and alleviate depression.
As far as massage is concerned, treatment would only be advised when the condition was in a quiet stage and then only with pressure that is comfortable for the client. Massage with essential oils can induce a sense of calm in the client and reduce the feelings of stress that come with having the condition, enabling them to relax and prepare the body for a more restful nights sleep. Treatment would also reduce muscle soreness and tightness around the neck and shoulders that can result in headaches and migraines for sufferers.
