I'm sure by now you understand that there are many ways that fibromyalgia can effect the body. The combination of symptoms and how they present for each person is also different. This can be a factor in the difficulty of both identifying fibromyalgia as the diagnosis and treating the fibromyalgia once it has been diagnosed.
Here are is a list of some of the most common symptoms we see at the massage studio when our clients come in seeking relief from their fibromyalgia.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Fatigue
Sensitivity to touch, sound, and other senses
IBS or general gastrointestinal issues
Brain fog
Insomnia and sleep issues
Rashes, hives, and other skin sensitivities
While these symptoms may seem widespread and unrelated (after all, what does joint pain have to do with IBS?), it’s essential to view the entire picture rather than focusing on individual symptoms.
Functional medicine doctors, naturopaths, and even some really great MDs and DOs often ask the key question: What is the root cause of these symptoms?
The Answer Lies in the Nervous System
We now understand that fibromyalgia is largely a nervous system issue. When we view fibromyalgia symptoms through this lens, everything begins to make sense. The nervous system governs and interacts with nearly every other system in the body. It’s responsible for adapting to immediate danger through “fight or flight” responses, as well as facilitating healing and recovery during the “rest and digest” state. Think of the incredible stories of a grandmother lifting a car to save her grandchild. This is the power of the nervous system at work. The same system influences the way fibromyalgia symptoms present.
Essentially, every fibro symptom is tied back to the nervous system in some way. This understanding is a game-changer. It helps you plan your self-care more effectively, and it allows us to craft treatment plans that specifically target the nervous system to reduce symptoms and flare-ups.
Whether you’re dealing with brain fog, joint pain, or sensory overload, every massage session begins and ends with a deep focus on your nervous system.
You Are Not Alone
The symptoms listed above are the most common ones I see and treat in my practice, but fibromyalgia can present in countless other ways. Each person’s experience is unique, and so are the symptoms they struggle with.
What symptoms do you find are the most challenging for you? Which ones have been eased the most while coming in for massage? Remember that I am here to help and I am happy to discuss your fibromylagia symptoms at your next massage.
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