Fibromyalgia – Where to find help
Mainstream medicine offers limited relief for the pain and exhaustion that accompanies fibromyalgia. Sometimes antidepressants and counseling are prescribed. Patients are advised to pace themselves and restrict activities to keep their symptoms in check. Additionally, many physicians are suggesting that their patients explore complimentary medical approaches such as Rolfing and acupuncture.
Do I have Fibromyalgia (FM)?
Fibromyalgia symptoms include:
- Widespread pain throughout body that is frequently experienced as constant dull ache.
- Fatigue.
- Trouble focusing and concentrating on mental tasks.
- Headaches.
- Anxiety and depression.
Do I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic fatigue symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue that gets worse with physical
and mental activity, but does not improve with rest. - Loss of memory or concentration.
- Sore throat.
- Unexplained muscle pain.
While chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have similar symptoms, pain is the dominant factor with fibromyalgia, while exhaustion is the greatest challenge with chronic fatigue. Both are chronic in nature and have no definitive cure. Conventional treatment for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome focus on symptom relief.
Complementary medicine to treat FM and CFS
Rolfing® and acupuncture draw upon the body’s innate ability for self healing. At first glance, Rolfing and acupuncture are very different healing modalities. Rolfing uses deep pressure to create balance in the physical structure while acupuncture uses needles to balance energy.
Both therapies engage the body, mind and spirit.Since there is no one approach that will cover all the bases it’s wise to pair complimentary approaches that augment each other’s beneficial effects. Rolfing and acupuncture do just that. When administered as part of a treatment plan both disciplines enhance each other. The beauty of these holistic approaches is that they de-stress and revitalize all of the body systems.
Benefits of Rolfing
Our structure reflects our history. We store old memories and trauma in our tissue. Our experiences literally shape us. Rolfing works directly on the soft tissue to restore posture as well as freedom and mobility in each joint. As the structure changes, people tend to feel more confident and at ease in their bodies.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture works as a wonderful precursor to Rolfing. As acupuncture restores the smooth flow of energy within the body, pain can reduce or resolve. The realigning of the physical structure with Rolfing naturally follows.
Both Rolfing and acupuncture engage the fascial system. Fascia is a form of connective tissue that provides structural support for the body. While fascia is manually manipulated during Rolfing treatments, facia is also believed to be the medium that conducts energy within the body. Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points along these pathways to improve the health of the body, but also the mind and the spirit.
Our patient reports:
For over a decade I have struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome. In addition to feeling extreme exhaustion much of the time I have also struggled with chronic aches, pains and immune system challenges.
I have used both Rolfing and Acupuncture at Frome Physical Therapy to help me with chronic fatigue syndrome and to develop my strength, endurance and energy. Additionally, I have used Rolfing and Acupuncture to help me with managing stress and recover from injuries. Thank you Rebekah and David!
The contents in this article are not meant to be diagnostic or prescriptive. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are often complex and a physician should always be consulted before choosing a course of treatment.