Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72098
TREATMENT OPTIONS There is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, in addition to massage therapy, interdisciplinary and self- treatment regimens, which include exercise, lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, and talk therapy, can effectively manage the condition. Although the standard treatment is largely pharmaceutical, the suggested medications typically have long- term side effects, and the wise client should not rely on medication alone to relieve her symptoms. Acupuncture, biofeedback, and chiropractic manipulations have met with some success, physical therapies are reported as helpful, and aerobic exercise, combined with flexibility and strength training, is especially effective when not undertaken too aggressively. Psychological approaches to FMS include cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and meditation, while alternative treatments include dietary supplementation, homeopathy, and a vegan diet. CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS Deep work or aggressive overstretching is usually contraindicated for FMS, and therapists should modify pressure based on the client's medication intake. Sleep may be induced as a result of the massage therapy session, so be sure driving arrangements have been made for the possibly-groggy client postsession. Some research indicates a parallel between FMS and joint hypermobility. When facilitating stretching, be aware if the client moves too easily into hyperextension or hyperflexion, and adjust ROM and stretches accordingly. CONCLUSION As massage therapy finds its place in the health-care field, intelligent, careful, well-read therapists will find themselves at the forefront of primary care of some of the most complicated medical conditions. Fibromyalgia, and all its attendant symptoms, lends itself perfectly to the disciplines and compassion of massage therapy. The constantly suffering client can, indeed, find relief in the oasis of thoughtful massage therapy. of the new textbook Step-by-Step Massage Therapy Protocols for Common Conditions (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2011). This article was adapted from an excerpt from that textbook, which explores treatment of more than 40 medical conditions. Contact Versagi at 623-208-3898. Charlotte Michael Versagi is the author public speaker, and massage teacher. She has worked on massage therapy book projects for both Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and McGraw Hill publishers. She manages Darien Lourde, Inc., a massage therapy continuing education company. Contact Woods at 706-482-0122 or darienlourde@yahoo.com. Rita Woods, BS, LMT, is a columnist, NOTES 1 O. Altindag et al., "Neuroendocrine Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia," Turkish Journal of Rheumatology 24 (2009): 98-102. 2 "Fibromyalgia," accessed July 2011, www. medicinenet.com/fibromyalgia/article.htm. 3 "Questions and Answers about Fibromyalgia," National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, accessed July 2011, www.niams. nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/default.asp. 4 F. Wolfe, H.A. Smythe, M.B. Yunus, et al., "The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia: Report of the Multicenter Criteria Committee," Arthritis Rheumatology 33: 160–72. Evidence-Based Guide for Working with FMS Clients." Massage Therapy Journal (Spring 2006): 127–141. Dalton, E. "Fibromyalgia: Fact or about Fibromyalgia." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Accessed July 2011. www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/ Fibromyalgia/default.asp. Chaitow, L. "Fibromyalgia: An Resources Ader, D. et al. "Questions and Answers Fiction." Massage and Bodywork (February/ March 2006): 60–8. Rao, S.G., Gendreau, F.J., and J.D. Dranzler. "Understanding the Fibromyalgia Syndrome." Psychopharmacology Bulletin 40 (2008): 24–56. Accessed July 2011. www.medscape.com/viewarticle/569749. Rooks, D.S. "Fibromyalgia Treatment Update." Medscape. Cited from Current Opinions in Rheumatology 19 (2007): 111– 117. Accessed July 2011. www.medscape. com/viewarticle/551891. Shiel, W.C. "Fibromyalgia." MedicineNet. Accessed July 2011. www.medicinenet.com/fibromyalgia/ article.htm. tune in to your practice at ABMPtv 41