Alternative Fibromyalgia Treatments
- A traditional Swedish massage, which incorporates a light touch, long strokes and kneading the muscles, generally promotes a sense of relaxation in patients with fibromyalgia, mostly due to high levels of anxiety and low levels of serotonin and the capricious nature of both. Usually, the patient suffers from restlessness during the night or a heavy malaise during the day. But, after a Swedish massage, these erratic levels naturally become balanced.
In addition to these symptoms, the severity of chronic pain and muscles spasms that form a pattern in the neck, shoulder region, the lower back and lower extremities are best treated with neuromusclar myofascial release, a technique which uses deep pressure and trigger points to address the localized pain that often times radiates to other muscle groups outside of the region. The restriction of fascia (the connective tissue) and soft-tissue usually results in the patient's complaints about muscle fatigue or stiffness. Stripping away these clusters of fascia restores elasticity to the tissues and normal range of motion in the joints. By charting the symptoms of soreness and muscle spasms, the practitioner is able to formulate an overall treatment plan so that further attacks considerably lessen and the chronic pain eventually becomes manageable. - Closer scrutiny of the foods consumed can make a huge difference to sufferers of fibromyagia. Start by eliminating all stimulants that affect the central nervous system; coffee, nicotine and alcohol should be avoided at all costs since they interfere with sleep patterns. Deficiency of vitamin D has also been associated with the disease. A diet rich in magnesium, leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts would maintain cellular energy levels needed to fight the chronic fatigue that sometimes accompanies this ailment. Increasing carbohydrate intake can help to increase serotonin, which is responsible for dulling pain and stabilizing stress levels. But the health of the connective tissue is extremely important, too. By adding a substantial amount of amino acids and fatty acids found in protein, during sleep, the connective tissues and muscles are able to heal and repair any soft tissue dysfunction.
