Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72098
FIBROMYALGIA TENDER POINT MAP transient, and pain or discomfort is not strictly localized. These points should not be deeply palpated directly and must be approached gingerly for effective, pain-free treatment. While trigger points can be bilateral, they are often unilateral and have a different character of pain in that they are deeply aching and constantly present. Trigger points also cause referred pain—pain that travels to another area of the body as a result of the myofascial compromise at the locus of the trigger point. Trigger points can be palpated and worked aggressively with an expected amount of discomfort, and can be treated with direct heat or cold and ROM exercises at the proximal or nearby joint. Trigger-point work is rarely performed on a client with fibromyalgia because the deep insult could produce post-session pain. REASONABLE THERAPEUTIC GOALS It is not reasonable to develop specific therapeutic goals when treating FMS. Pain that seems intolerable and diffuse during one session can disappear completely by the next session, when the client's primary complaint might be profound fatigue secondary to nonrestful sleep. The only reasonable goal in treating FMS is to attempt to relieve one or two presenting complaints. Each therapy session, however, should address the client's overall compromised physiologic state. For best results, the ideal frequency of massage is weekly, with sessions lasting 30–60 minutes and continuing for the duration of the condition. BEFORE THE WORK BEGINS Clearly understand your client's chief complaint before the session begins. Have warm packs and plenty of pillows ready. Allow your client to lead the way, yet remember that the most beneficial session includes addressing only one or two tender regions, increasing circulation, Knee Lateral epicondyle Second rib Low cervical Greater trochanter Gluteal Supraspinatus Trapezius Occiput tune in to your practice at ABMPtv 37