Energize Sports Massage, Wirral sports massage

Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia

Understanding and managing Fibromyalgia


Embracing Life with Fibromyalgia: Strategies for Coping and Thriving

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person's life. From managing chronic pain and fatigue to managing social relationships and maintaining emotional wellbeing, individuals with fibromyalgia face a unique set of challenges. In this blog post, we will explore these challenges and offer insights into coping strategies, the importance of community support, and the role of holistic well-being in managing fibromyalgia. 

 

The Daily Struggles

Living with fibromyalgia often means confronting a wide range of physical, emotional, and social challenges on a daily basis. Chronic pain, one of the most prominent symptoms of fibromyalgia, can make even simple tasks, such as getting dressed or preparing meals, feel overwhelming. Fatigue, another common symptom, can make it difficult to maintain a regular schedule or participate in activities that were once enjoyable. Additionally, individuals with fibromyalgia may face social challenges, such as feeling misunderstood by friends and family members who may not fully grasp the impact of the condition. To help manage these daily struggles, it is essential to develop practical coping strategies, such as pacing activities, prioritising self-care, and communicating openly with loved ones. For more practical advice and tips on living with fibromyalgia, please refer to our leaflet on ["Living with Fibromyalgia"](https://bit.ly/3TEYc0d).


Emotional Wellbeing and Fibromyalgia

The emotional toll of living with fibromyalgia cannot be overstated. Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which can further compound the challenges of managing the physical symptoms of the condition. It is crucial for those with fibromyalgia to prioritise their emotional well-being and seek support when needed. This may involve working with a therapist who specialises in chronic pain management, practising stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing, or joining a support group to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of living with fibromyalgia. As a massage therapist this is outside my scope of practice but it can it can be of great benefit to seek out help in these areas.

 

The Power of Community

 One of the most valuable resources for individuals living with fibromyalgia is the power of community. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of validation, understanding, and empowerment. Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a platform for individuals to share their stories, exchange coping strategies, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. In addition to support groups, there are many online resources and forums dedicated to fibromyalgia, where individuals can access information, ask questions, and engage with a wider community of people who understand the challenges of living with this condition.

 

Holistic Approaches to Management

Managing fibromyalgia effectively often requires a holistic approach that encompasses both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments. While medication can play a role in managing pain and other symptoms, lifestyle changes and alternative therapies can be equally important in promoting overall well-being. This may include adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, practising stress-reduction techniques, and exploring complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or gentle yoga. By taking a holistic approach to fibromyalgia management, individuals can develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. For more information on natural treatments for fibromyalgia, please see our leaflet on ["Natural Treatments for Fibromyalgia"](link-to-leaflet).


Conclusion

 Living with fibromyalgia can be a challenging and often overwhelming experience, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. By staying informed, seeking support, and exploring the various resources available, individuals with fibromyalgia can develop effective coping strategies and improve their overall quality of life. We encourage you to download our full set of resources for a more comprehensive understanding of fibromyalgia and its management. If you would like to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with fibromyalgia or have any questions, [insert some online or local communities/resources] and if you would like advice, please feel free to contact us at any time.

 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. The information provided herein is based on general medical knowledge and does not account for individual circumstances. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your specific health condition.

 

Energize Sports Massage,14  Birnam Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH44 9AX, Tel: 07768225580, Email: energizesportsmassage@yahoo.co.uk

Energize Sports Massage

Upper Cross Syndrome

A common complaint linked to the modern lifestyle

Upper-Crossed Syndrome is a tightness of the upper trapezius and levator scapular on the dorsal side (back) which crosses with tightness of the pectoral major and minor on the front of the chest. Weakness of the deep cervical flexors in the neck cross with weakness of the middle and lower trapezius. This pattern of imbalance often causes joint dysfunction. Specific postural  changes are seen with upper crossed syndrome, including forward head posture, increased cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis, elevated and protracted shoulders and rotation and abduction of the scapula.

Causes

When driving passed a bus stop I am invariably greeted by the sight of a succession of people with heads bent forward and rounded shoulders gazing into their phones. I see plenty of potential future clients. Adopt this posture frequently and for long enough and your body will adapt to what you are asking it to do. The rhomboids, middle and lower trapezius become long, weak and stretched with the pectorals becoming short and tight. We are physically designed as hunter gathers and not meant to be sitting at a computer desk of driving for 7 hours a day. 

What to do about it.

If your job means you have to sit at a desk everyday then its something you don’t have much choice in doing. But all is not lost. A strategy of massage, stretching and strengthening is the answer. Soft tissue work can bring immediate relief to a condition that often leads to headaches, discomfort in the upper back and sleepless nights. I also provide my clients with a suitable exercise program via the website Rehabmypatient.com. 

The aim is to strengthen those muscle groups that have become long, weak and stretched. As well as strengthening the weak muscle groups the aim is to also reverse the clients posture at least a couple of times a day. What I mean by this is that if for instance you are sitting at the wheel of a car for hours per day you are sitting in a state of spinal flexion( bending forward) for hours at a time. To counter this then the client needs to adopt a posture of thoracic extension to be included in their exercise program. The soft tissue work and stretching  resolve the other problems of short tight pectorals etc.and also help with the discomfort of the weakened muscles that have in effect, become locked long and weak (rhomboids, lower and mid traps). 

So there you have it. It is a problem that tends to develop over a period of time which is why I see it as a problem of future epidemic proportions in the younger generation in particular who spend a lot of time on mobile phones, gaming etc.  

Posted 345 weeks ago