Fibromyalgia Treatments – Natural & Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies

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It wasn’t too long ago that we went to our family doctor whenever we were sick and whatever he recommended was a “prescription for wellness.” Today we have many more choices. Not only can we see a so-called western medical doctor, specializing in a specific medicine (family practice, rheumatology, osteopathy, neurology), but alternative or complementary practices are now also available and accepted as legitimate options.

As the use of complementary therapies becomes more popular, and western health-care professionals begin to recommend massage, acupuncture, supplements, and so on to their patients, each of us will need a better understanding of these options to decide what is most beneficial for our overall health.

As health-care professionals begin to recognize the benefits of these types of treatment options, our medical community will have to find ways to help patients coordinate these options into their pursuit of better health.

Today the patient must take responsibility in coordinating both western and eastern medicine practices. However, it won’t be long before the concept of intertwining the two becomes more accepted and the number of clinics that provide an integrated approach will increase.

Treating Fibromyalgia – Natural & Alternative Therapies

To understand what treatments are best to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia and its overlapping conditions, it is important to review treatment strategies that include those that would fall under the heading of complementary, alternative, or integrative therapies. These therapies include heath-care practices that are not considered part of conventional or mainstream Western medicine.

Because fibromyalgia currently seems to be most effectively treated when multiple concurrent approaches are implemented, it is important to review treatment options beyond the pharmacological treatments discussed.

It is not unusual to find a rheumatologist who is now practicing what is called integrative medicine, a mix of Western medicine along with complementary therapies in which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Unlike in the past, where an internist would only recommend approved conventional Western medicine, today it would not be unusual for an internist to recommend certain supplements or refer a patient for acupuncture treatments.

In the search for more effective treatment options, traditional Western medicine is now researching therapies that have not been closely evaluated in the past.

In your development of an effective self-management plan, it is important that you carefully review and evaluate options that would be considered complementary or alternative therapies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China some 3,500 years ago. It is one of the oldest systems of healing in the world and a main component of traditional Chinese medicine.

During a typical treatment for a chronic condition, 4 to 10 thin needles are placed into the skin at different points of the body. The thought is that the insertion of  the needles will help energy (v)  flow normally through the body. An acupuncture treatment would usually be 6 to 12 treatments over a three-month period.

Traditional acupuncturists might use additional therapies, including moxibustion (the burning of an herb just above the surface of the skin), massage, cupping, herbal preparations, exercises, and dietary modification.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in Washington, D.C., believes that evidence from clinical research supports the use of acupuncture in treating pain conditions, especially migraine and tension headaches.

Fibromyalgia researchers, however, have found variations in their research findings on whether it is effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. There is evidence, though, that appears to show that acupuncture might be helpful in alleviating certain types of pain, decreasing gastrointestinal problems, and creating a relaxing experience for patients.

Therapeutic massage techniques involve the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) with the goal of helping to alleviate pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote relaxation and improved sleep.

With the proper type of massage, you can feel physically and emotionally relaxed. Massage can help relax tight muscles, improve blood circulation, and increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients into the affected tissues. There are numerous types of therapeutic massage, which vary in intensity and suitability for people with fibromyalgia.

These include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Accupressure, Sports Massage, Trager, Reflexology, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Medical Massage. Some may he helpful to you and some may be too invasive or aggressive.

Therapeutic Massages for Treating Fibromyalgia:

Specialized forms of therapeutic massage that are often used to treat people with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome include the following:

Deep Tissue – Releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons, and fascia. It is called deep tissue because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Myofascial Release – Is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to re-balance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.

Trigger Point Therapy  (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Theropy) -  applies concentrated finger pressure to “trigger points” (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

Just like with an exercise program, you should start your massage therapy slowly. Be sure the massage therapist is knowledgeable about fibromyalgia and is sensitive to your degree of pain sensitivity.

It is difficult at best to recommend a particular type of massage because people with fibromyalgia tend to like different intensities of pressure in massage therapy.

I personally cannot tolerate any type of deep tissue massage, however I know people with fibromyalgia that believe that this is the only type of treatment that can help release their tight, sore muscles.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy is used to help eliminate muscle pain by …

• Improving the blood supply to soft tissues.
• Relaxing trigger points which refer pain to other parts of the body.
• Releasing entrapped nerves that are under pressure by soft tissue, cartilage, or bone.
• Restoring the balance of the musculoskeletal system, which has moved out of alignment because of poor lifting habits, poor posture, and so on.

The massage therapist should ask you questions about your general health and why you have decided to have a massage.

Do not be afraid to ask for credentials and whether he or she is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (ANITA) (wsm.amtatnassage.org). Thirty-three states have now passed legislation to regulate massage therapy. The primary national credential is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Marsage and Bodywork, which is designated by the initials NCTMB.

The designation NCTMB is awarded by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCB-FMB), which is a non-profit corporation. Education is another criterion upon which you can evaluate massage therapists. AIN/11A recommends you look for a graduate of a training program that has been accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or an agency with equivalent standards.

Chiropractic Manipulation:

Chiropractic treatment and therapy, which utilizes joint manipulation, has been in use since the late nineteenth century. The belief was that poor spine alignment caused various disorders and they could be corrected by skillful hands-on manual manipulation. Along with spinal manipulation, most chiropractors also use soft tissue massage, stretching, and hot and cold therapy.

At this time there is limited research on the use of chiropractic manipulation to treat people with fibromyalgia. It appears that it is most helpful as a form of stretching. To find a qualified chiropractor, talk to your health-care professional or contact the American Chiropractic Association (www.amerchiro.org).

The application of heat and/or cold is two common types of passive, noninvasive, and nonaddictive pain therapies.

Heat can be applied to the painful area of the body by way of a hot/moist compress, a dry or moist heating pad, hydrotherapy or hot water pool, or commercial chemical/ gel packs. Heat therapy draws blood into the target tissues.

The increased blood flow provides needed oxygen and nutrients and removes cell wastes. The warmth decreases muscle spasms, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and can increase range of motion.

Cold can be applied in the form of commercial cold packs, ice cubes, or iced towels/ compresses. Even a bag of frozen peas can make a great cold compress. Cold therapy slows circulation, which reduces inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain.

The application of hot and cold compresses can be done independently or in combination with one another. Ask your fibromyalgia health-care professional which might work best for you.

Physical Therapy (PT)

According to Stephanie Bolling, M.S., RT., O.C.S., founder of the Los Angeles area—based Arthritis Therapy Specialists, the goal of physical therapy is to help restore function, improve mobility and independence, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities for people dealing with musculoskeletal conditions.

Individuals who seek help from a physical therapist should be sure that the therapist specializes in the treatment of rheumatological conditions. The physical therapist should understand the symptom components of fibromyalgia and implement a program specifically designed to help decrease the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

A knowledgeable specialist will empower you by teaching you specific exercises and stretches that should be performed when different muscle flare-ups occur.

Ms. Bolling explains that a physical therapy evaluation for fibromyalgia should assess the following:

• Muscle spasms and most tender points
• Muscle flexibility and strength
• Posture analysis
• Body mechanics
• Gait analysis
• Functional limitations
• Aerobic activity
• Fatigue
• Sleep hygiene
• Stress or anxiety level
• Patient’s goals

A proper physical therapy treatment should consist of the following:

• Manual therapy consisting of joint and soft tissue mobilization, manipulation, or massage to decrease muscle spasms or tender points (manual therapy might not be tolerated due to hypersensitivity)
• Individualized stretching program
• Proper posture training
• Body mechanics training
• Breathing and stress reduction training
• Proper sleep hygiene training
• Proper aerobic activity training
• Safe, individualized strength training (Pilates recommended)
• Functional activity training
• Self-management home treatments to reduce pain during flare-ups
• Communication with doctors regarding patient care

Most YMCAs nationwide offer a program that was developed by the Arthritis Foundation called Twinges in the Hinges. It is a gentle aquatic exercise program that takes place in a heated pool and provides for full body range of motion. Participating in this program is an excellent way to reintroduce movement into your life.

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is an effective exercise option for many people with fibromyalgia. In a pool, you can perform aerobic exercises without the weight-bearing and joint compression of land-based exercises. The water allows you to be buoyant, so you can move freely without the weight of gravity.

The experience of buoyancy can give the freedom of movement that pain might have taken away from you. As you’re immersed in a warm-water pool (heated between 91°F and 94°F), your muscles and mind can relax without effort.

As you slowly increase your stamina in the pool, you can achieve a greater level of overall physical fitness. Aquatic therapy helps build endurance and increases arm and leg strength, flexibility, and balance.

It allows you to improve or maintain your ability to walk, climb stairs, and participate in other types of exercise and athletic activities. Group aquatic classes also give you an opportunity to socialize and participate.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

The occupational therapist’s goal is to help individuals who have developed health conditions that affect their independence and ability to perform daily activities. As a trained and licensed health-care professional, the OT can evaluate the impact that fibromyalgia has on you and help you lessen or overcome your limitations at home or work. The OT works cooperatively with the other members of the health-care team to customize a treatment program that will give you ways to better manage your active life.

An OT can also offer guidance to family members to help them understand the recommendations and creative solutions that have been made to improve your daily functionality. Often physical therapists will work with an OT to assist with exercise and other therapies that help improve physical balance, strength, and flexibility.

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