We have all experienced pain at some point or another. Wither it is from an injury, stress, or not sleeping well at night - the causes of pain are quite numerous. But what about if you are in pain all the time? Chronic pain affects a vast majority of the population and although the cause is not well known, there are things that can be done to help manage symptoms.
They can be broken into two main categories:
Fibromyalgia: when broken down, it is defined as "muscle fibre pain". It is diagnosed by having pain or tenderness in 11 of 18 points with palpation on both sides of the body that are persistent with at least 3 months (see common areas in the picture). Symptoms can be triggered from over or under exertion, stress, anxiety/depression, reduced amount/quality of sleep, trauma, changes in temperature/humidity and illness. Fibromyalgia is usually treated with medications, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: as the name suggests, people suffering of persistent tiredness that doesn't resolve and worsened by activities may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. For an official diagnosis, the person must be experiencing the symptoms for at least 6 months, Along with fatigue, daily headaches or migraines may be present. Disturbances in sleep patterns, muscle/joint aches and pains, spasm, weakness, anxiety/depression and loss of focus are also common.
Massage is considered safe for both conditions. Initial goals should be focusing on soothing techniques to help with the lymphatic drainage and muscle soreness. Lighter pressure is best to use at first to gauge the clients tolerance to treatment. Some clients may wish to have deeper pressure applied, however it may not be indicated. It is common to mistake the tender points (the 11/18 points described above) as trigger points, so the client must be informed that if deep pressure is applied, the pain may increase after the treatment is over. If the tissues are taut, the therapist can apply a heat application as well as using indirect techniques to disengage the muscle. The main goals for treatment are increasing relaxation and reducing (not eliminating pain). To ensure the client doesn't become over stimulated or fatigued, shorter treatments at a high frequency (30 minutes ever 1-2 weeks for example), are usually best. Home care, tailored to the individual client needs and goals are recommended to continue care when not having treatment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope you have a great day!
References:
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment by Rheumatologists - Mercy, Baltimore. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://mdmercy.com/centers-of-excellence/additional-centers/rheumatology/conditions-we-treat/fibromyalgia
Rattray, F. S., & Ludwig, L. (2019). Clinical massage therapy: Understanding, assessing and treating over 70 conditions. Brantford, Ontario: W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library.
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