Fibromyalgia is a condition of chronic widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points on the body where light pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia occurs in approximately 2 percent of our population.
Women are more likely to develop the disorder than men, and the risk increases with age. Fibromyalgia symptoms can begin after trauma, but in most cases there doesn’t seem to be a specific cause. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache that arises from tender muscles. To be considered generalized, the pain must be on both sides of the body and above and below the waist.
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Patients experience pain in response to stimuli (eg, touch, stress) that are not normally perceived as painful. Researchers have found:
increased levels of a nerve chemical called substance P in the cerebrospinal fluid of fibromyalgia patients.
the brain chemical serotonin is relatively low in fibromyalgia patients.
the brains of people with fibromyalgia can be hypersensitive and have impaired perception of pain.
People with fibromyalgia have disturbed sleep phases which may explain the common symptoms of waking up tired and restless.
Studies show that exercise is one of the most important approaches to relieving fibromyalgia pain. Regular exercise increases the body’s production of endorphins, natural opioids that improve mood and decrease pain. Starting slowly and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your exercise can help you enjoy the benefits of exercise without feeling more pain. Feldenkrais exercises are the perfect start.
The Feldenkrais Method is based on our current understanding of the processes involved in learning movement skills. It is a systematic approach to improve human movement and general functioning. The Feldenkrais Method uses simple, gentle movements to reorganize posture, flexibility, strength, and coordination, providing fibromyalgia pain relief in the process.
Named after Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli physicist who developed the method to treat his own sports injury, the method offers a new approach to pain management. By integrating mind and body and harnessing the power of brain plasticity, Feldenkrais exercises help the body function more efficiently. This creates environments in which chronic pain and injuries can heal.
The Feldenkrais Method provides relief from fibromyalgia pain and stiffness. Feldenkrais encourages efficient muscle function by helping to relieve undue fatigue and pain. Regular visits will build confidence with exercise, help eliminate sore muscles, and teach you more about your body and movements. This approach can help you regain control of your condition by allowing you to focus on lifestyle changes instead of chronic pain. Most people feel much more comfortable in less than a month, and this relief is long-lasting. Give Feldenkrais a try and see what it can do for you.