Massage Therapy ??

[Liz Brummond]

My chiropractor warned me to be *very* careful in going to massage
therapy, to make sure the masseuse knew I had fibromyalgia and to steer
away from any deep muscle massage due to the fact it could aggravate the
pain rather than relieve it.
This is from my own perspective; I understand that massage works wonders
for many people. But I know from the few I've had I couldn't tolerate a
deep muscle massage.

[SLong10268]

If your massage therapist is knowledgeable about fibro, I don't think she would
do a deep muscle massage on you. I go to a massage therapist who only works on
fibro patients, and went two times a week for a couple of months. She uses
myofascial release as her technique which involves very gentle massage from my
neck to my feet. She says you have to very gently get through the fascia in
order to get to the muscles. It all takes time. Unfortunately, it did not
work for me. Did not help with the pain as she said it would, but that was
just me. I know it has helped others. Another thing, once you go and it
helps, you have to keep going or your muscles revert back to the way they were
before you started the therapy. I was prepared to do that, if it had helped,
but it didn't. Don't want to discourage you, but the important thing is that
you find a therapist knowledgeable about fibro before you are going to get any
relief. Just my experience with massage, and not to say that I won't try it
again sometime. Suzanne

[Joan @ home]

Suzanne, have you read what Devin has to say about
perpetuating factors? She suggests ways of
"dealing" with them so that you eliminate the
problems. Somw ways of dealing with them are
learning postural techniques such as Alexander or
Feldenkrais (searchable on the net), Qi-Dong, Tai
Chi in simple forms.
This is in the MPS section
http://www.sover.net/~devstar/

I believe Miryam has some insight on this as well
in her personal regimen
http://www.shaysnet.com/~wmson/fm101.htm\

Hope this gives you some hope. No, I have not had
any luck finding classes/practitioners near enough
for my panic problem but my acupuncturist is
trying to work a deal with a Feldenkrais teacher
to come to my apartment but I am not sure my
insurance will cover it (physiotherapy). This
whole FM/MPS thing is so complicated and what
works for one syndrome often hurts the other. I am
trying sone Tai Chi for Seniors (and cripples) but
only doing the upper body stuff as I am such a
klutz my former teacher was worried I would injure
myself. Still looking for the magic key that will
get rid of the panic and lethargy. Good luck to
you.

Joan @ home

[Wpandmsdeb]

Joan,
I've been interested in trying Tai'chi. Has this helped you even though it's
been modified? Thanks in advance for any information.
Hugs,
Deb in AL

[Joan @ home]

Well, if I did it a lot it might. I did see
benefits to a fellow with MSin the two months I
went. Here is the site for the kind of T'ai Chi I
(don't) do http://www.taoist.org/

I have had more benefits imagining Thumper doing
Tae Bo but I am a real lump/doorstop.

Joan @ home

[C.A. Owens]

Deb, it has sure helped me! The slow movements are particularly
suited to my 'just can't go fast anymore' body.

Chris Owens

[SNGSADLER]

There are many different types of massage therapy. The Tragger (not sure of
spelling) method is the best. It involves gentle rocking. Also gentle massage
with the finger tips has helped me alot. I can't stand deep massage either.
Joanna