Stop Chronic Fatigue

Posts Tagged ‘Chronic Pain’

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a flu-like condition that can drain your energy and sometimes last for years. People previously healthy and full of energy make experience a variety of symptoms.

People recover from flu in days or weeks. But with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) recovery is rare. The symptoms are similar to flu, and a tiredness that never improves no matter how much sleep a person gets. It can worsen with mental or physical exercise. Sometimes the symptoms come and go with no regular pattern.

People who have this disease are often prevented from working and wind up on welfare. It is however, a treatable illness, although formerly not recognized as a medical condition. The Center for Disease Control studies have determines between one and four million Americans have this condition.

CFS begins in several ways. It can just gradually increase in severity, brought on by no noted cause. Or sometimes a person may have the condition after a viral infection, cold or severe mental stress. It affects many more women than men.

The conventional approach to handling CFS is psychological counseling (It’s all in your head type approach), rehabilitation with physical therapy and exercise. Other professionals like a sleep therapist or dietitian can also be called in. The patient usually has to learn to just live with it once all else has failed to relieve the misery of CFS.

However, there are ways to handle this disease that can actually bring about results. You don’t have to learn to live with it. The pain, fatigue and depression are not all in your head. They have an underlying cause and a medical doctor trained in this discipline can help you identify and treat CFS. Your condition can be reversed and your energy and vitality restored.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia or CFS, your diet can make your condition worse or better. Eating a lot of refined carbohydrates will make the condition worse, whereas eating slow-burning carbs (rich in fiber) will provide your body with more energy. If you consume a lot of saturated fats and refined vegetable oils, the pain will worsen. If you consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish and flaxseed oil) your pain will lessen. Diet is very important.

Food allergies are often missed as a cause of CFS and fibromyalgia. A competent doctor can evaluate for food allergies.

Depression can accompany CFS and figromyalgia. Low levels of a neuro-transmitter, serotonin if often a cause, because this substance in the brain regulates sleep and contributes to the persons mood. Lack of it increases pain. There are supplements that can be prescribed to alleviate pain, regulate mood and ward off depression – such as St. John’s wort, SAMe, natural replacement seratonin and 5-HTP. Whereas Prozac and other prescription drugs merely mask symptoms and come with dangerous side effects, natural remedies do not. Many happier patients will attest to this fact.

You enjoy your life more when you feel better! Have the energy and vitality that you had in your 20’s and 30’s. Find out more now – go to Angel Longevity Medical Center. Find out more about Chronic Fatigue and Anti-Aging

Osteopathy (known as OMM osteopathic manipulative medicine in the U.S.),  stresses  the connection between all organ systems of the body, specifically focusing on the Musculoskeletal System, and its function throughout the entire body to unify the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and musculoskeletal systems to function one cohesive unit.  This, combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a fibromyalgia (FM) patient’s well being.  It is also said to be helpful in treating FM’s over-lapping conditions as well (i.e., CFS, CMP or MPS, IBS & others).  In most countries osteopathy uses a more holistic approach and the use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions.

Early intervention by an osteopath allows probable sources of referred pain to be identified, making it possible for you to change to your lifestyle now to avoid the inevitable pain later on.  Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction, so that individuals can maintain their own health.

OMM can be helpful in treating anterior knee pain, asthma, epicondylitis, tendonitis, impingement syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), headaches, back and neck pain, heel/ foot pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and vertigo. It can also be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia (FM), osteoarthritis, shin splints, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, herniated disc, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Bell’s palsy, pregnancy and childbirth, and premenstrual syndrome.

Osteopaths are thoroughly educated about the placement of bones and muscles and how they perform in relation to each other.  Touch is used to locate any misalignments in your muscles, ligaments, or joints.  Techniques such as deep tissue massage and joint manipulation are then used to rectify misalignments in order to recover the patient’s function and mobility. Your body has a natural healing ability that is impaired when your musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly.  Once identified and alignment problems  are treated, your body will be able to heal itself more efficiently. FM patients need to make sure that the therapist has an understanding of fibromyalgia because each therapy is specifically designed for the individual.  Certain therapies may aggravate your symptoms where the same therapy may be tolerable or beneficial for someone else.

Poor posture can be a key element in FM and CMP symptoms.  Your osteopath will show you how to improve your posture in order to avoid putting as much strain on your muscles and joints as possible.  If you have bad posture, it can generate new trigger points in CMP patients and they are easily irritated once they are developed.  The trigger point needs to be released and stopped from coming back.

Joint manipulation can relieve pressure on nerve endings, release muscle tension and loosen up the joints for ease of movement. The key to joint manipulation is that you (the patient) relax as much as possible.  The more tense you are, the less likely it is that your joints can be manipulated.

Osteopathy treatment may also include therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and relaxation training.

Osteopathy is a university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification.  An osteopath is licensed to prescribe medication and also perform surgery. You can find an osteopath in local hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, academic medical centers, and military hospitals.  Basically, anywhere one would expect to find a doctor.

Talk to your primary physician about any therapy you might be considering.  Your doctor can help you decide what therapies/treatment options are best for you.

Osteopathy (known as OMM osteopathic manipulative medicine in the U.S.),  stresses  the connection between all organ systems of the body, specifically focusing on the Musculoskeletal System, and its function throughout the entire body to unify the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and musculoskeletal systems to function one cohesive unit.  This, combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a fibromyalgia (FM) patient’s well being.  It is also said to be helpful in treating FM’s over-lapping conditions as well (i.e., CFS, CMP or MPS, IBS & others).  In most countries osteopathy uses a more holistic approach and the use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions.

Early intervention by an osteopath allows probable sources of referred pain to be identified, making it possible for you to change to your lifestyle now to avoid the inevitable pain later on.  Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction, so that individuals can maintain their own health.

OMM can be helpful in treating anterior knee pain, asthma, epicondylitis, tendonitis, impingement syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), headaches, back and neck pain, heel/ foot pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and vertigo. It can also be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia (FM), osteoarthritis, shin splints, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, herniated disc, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Bell’s palsy, pregnancy and childbirth, and premenstrual syndrome.

Osteopaths are thoroughly educated about the placement of bones and muscles and how they perform in relation to each other.  Touch is used to locate any misalignments in your muscles, ligaments, or joints.  Techniques such as deep tissue massage and joint manipulation are then used to rectify misalignments in order to recover the patient’s function and mobility. Your body has a natural healing ability that is impaired when your musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly.  Once identified and alignment problems  are treated, your body will be able to heal itself more efficiently. FM patients need to make sure that the therapist has an understanding of fibromyalgia because each therapy is specifically designed for the individual.  Certain therapies may aggravate your symptoms where the same therapy may be tolerable or beneficial for someone else.

Poor posture can be a key element in FM and CMP symptoms.  Your osteopath will show you how to improve your posture in order to avoid putting as much strain on your muscles and joints as possible.  If you have bad posture, it can generate new trigger points in CMP patients and they are easily irritated once they are developed.  The trigger point needs to be released and stopped from coming back.

Joint manipulation can relieve pressure on nerve endings, release muscle tension and loosen up the joints for ease of movement. The key to joint manipulation is that you (the patient) relax as much as possible.  The more tense you are, the less likely it is that your joints can be manipulated.

Osteopathy treatment may also include therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and relaxation training.

Osteopathy is a university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification.  An osteopath is licensed to prescribe medication and also perform surgery. You can find an osteopath in local hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, academic medical centers, and military hospitals.  Basically, anywhere one would expect to find a doctor.

Talk to your primary physician about any therapy you might be considering.  Your doctor can help you decide what therapies/treatment options are best for you.

Osteopathy (known as OMM osteopathic manipulative medicine in the U.S.),  stresses  the connection between all organ systems of the body, specifically focusing on the Musculoskeletal System, and its function throughout the entire body to unify the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and musculoskeletal systems to function one cohesive unit.  This, combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a fibromyalgia (FM) patient’s well being.  It is also said to be helpful in treating FM’s over-lapping conditions as well (i.e., CFS, CMP or MPS, IBS & others).  In most countries osteopathy uses a more holistic approach and the use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions.

Early intervention by an osteopath allows probable sources of referred pain to be identified, making it possible for you to change to your lifestyle now to avoid the inevitable pain later on.  Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction, so that individuals can maintain their own health.

OMM can be helpful in treating anterior knee pain, asthma, epicondylitis, tendonitis, impingement syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), headaches, back and neck pain, heel/ foot pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and vertigo. It can also be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia (FM), osteoarthritis, shin splints, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, herniated disc, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Bell’s palsy, pregnancy and childbirth, and premenstrual syndrome.

Osteopaths are thoroughly educated about the placement of bones and muscles and how they perform in relation to each other.  Touch is used to locate any misalignments in your muscles, ligaments, or joints.  Techniques such as deep tissue massage and joint manipulation are then used to rectify misalignments in order to recover the patient’s function and mobility. Your body has a natural healing ability that is impaired when your musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly.  Once identified and alignment problems  are treated, your body will be able to heal itself more efficiently. FM patients need to make sure that the therapist has an understanding of fibromyalgia because each therapy is specifically designed for the individual.  Certain therapies may aggravate your symptoms where the same therapy may be tolerable or beneficial for someone else.

Poor posture can be a key element in FM and CMP symptoms.  Your osteopath will show you how to improve your posture in order to avoid putting as much strain on your muscles and joints as possible.  If you have bad posture, it can generate new trigger points in CMP patients and they are easily irritated once they are developed.  The trigger point needs to be released and stopped from coming back.

Joint manipulation can relieve pressure on nerve endings, release muscle tension and loosen up the joints for ease of movement. The key to joint manipulation is that you (the patient) relax as much as possible.  The more tense you are, the less likely it is that your joints can be manipulated.

Osteopathy treatment may also include therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and relaxation training.

Osteopathy is a university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification.  An osteopath is licensed to prescribe medication and also perform surgery. You can find an osteopath in local hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, academic medical centers, and military hospitals.  Basically, anywhere one would expect to find a doctor.

Talk to your primary physician about any therapy you might be considering.  Your doctor can help you decide what therapies/treatment options are best for you.

While watching television, numerous advertisements come on concerning fibromyalgia. Just what is fibromyalgia and why all the concern. Fibromyalgia is defined as a syndrome rather than a disease, because it has no specific cause or symptom. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and debilitating fatigue. The disorder causes heightened pain all over the body with multiple tender points that are painful to the touch. An individual with this condition suffers physical and psychological distress interfering with daily living. Physicians are unaware of what causes fibromyalgia and have no conclusive tests to identify it, but they are inclined to believe that the basis of the physical pain is brought on by psychological stress. For those who suffer from this painful condition, and there are millions worldwide, conquering fibromyalgia now is essential to their well being.

Signs and Symptoms

For those suffering from fibromyalgia, the symptoms can be many, including debilitating fatigue, sleep disorders, and joint stiffness with numbness and tingling. Other symptoms include irritable bowel, chronic headaches, jaw pain, anxiety and depression. Some feel that their symptoms were brought on by a physical or emotional trauma, while in others there was no triggering event. It is estimated that 2-4% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia and therefore it affects millions of people worldwide. For those who suffer from severe symptoms, conquering fibromyalgia is possible and essential for basic daily activities.

Fibromyalgia is known as a syndrome because symptoms commonly occur together, such as anxiety or depression, tender points, incapacitating fatigue and widespread pain in muscles and joints. Physicians rely on physical examination and medical history to make an accurate diagnosis. They will rule out other conditions that mimic fibromyalgia, which is called a diagnosis of exclusion. In’90 The American College of Rheumatology published a study in which they were able to distinguish fibromyalgia from other chronic pain illnesses 88% of the time. It is considered the benchmark for the inclusion of fibromyalgia as a known physical disorder.

Causes

Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia have found that specific factors heighten their pain. They include stress and anxiety, depression, or physical exhaustion. Lack of sleep and even changes in the weather will trigger the pain. But because there are no conclusive tests to identify fibromyalgia, physicians are unaware of what causes the disorder. They believe that it could be a variety of factors working together. These can include genetics, infections and physical or emotional trauma. Researchers have found that individuals who have sleep disorders, sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome are at high risk to develop fibromyalgia. Gender, age, family history and rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can also be factors. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition, so knowing that conquering fibromyalgia is possible is essential for their well being.

Recommendations

When an individual is suffering from fatigue and the lack of sleep because of the pain, they are looking for some relief. Conquering fibromyalgia forever is possible and pain management is the first goal in treating this disorder. A program using both traditional and alternative therapies can be involved in the treatment. Some individuals find that low doses of antidepressants control their pain very well. Therapeutic massage helps ease the pain and daily moist heat applications benefits joint stiffness. Others get better control from stress management, exercise and hydrotherapy. Managing stress is very important, because stress increases pain over tender points and decreases the ability to cope with pain. Taking time each day for rest and relaxation will reduce the stress. Another recommendation includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.

Who can help?

There are millions of people worldwide who suffer from fibromyalgia. They do best when supported by each other and family and friends. This condition causes depression and social isolation. Help and advice can be found in organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association. They provide classes and access to support groups where individuals find each other and know they are not alone in this fight in conquering fibromyalgia forever.

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and causing fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress. For those suffering severe symptoms this disorder can be debilitating and can interfere with daily activity. Finding a solution and conquering fibromyalgia is possible and it is a priority to those suffering from the chronic pain.

Before you purchase anything online regarding conquering fibromyalgia, check out Tre Pleggi’sexceptionalresearch on ways to cure it. She has pinpointed several fibromyalgia reviews that you really must see to make the right decision.

Osteopathy (known as OMM osteopathic manipulative medicine in the U.S.),  stresses  the connection between all organ systems of the body, specifically focusing on the Musculoskeletal System, and its function throughout the entire body to unify the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and musculoskeletal systems to function one cohesive unit.  This, combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a fibromyalgia (FM) patient’s well being.  It is also said to be helpful in treating FM’s over-lapping conditions as well (i.e., CFS, CMP or MPS, IBS & others).  In most countries osteopathy uses a more holistic approach and the use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions.

Early intervention by an osteopath allows probable sources of referred pain to be identified, making it possible for you to change to your lifestyle now to avoid the inevitable pain later on.  Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction, so that individuals can maintain their own health.

OMM can be helpful in treating anterior knee pain, asthma, epicondylitis, tendonitis, impingement syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), headaches, back and neck pain, heel/ foot pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and vertigo. It can also be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia (FM), osteoarthritis, shin splints, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, herniated disc, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Bell’s palsy, pregnancy and childbirth, and premenstrual syndrome.

Osteopaths are thoroughly educated about the placement of bones and muscles and how they perform in relation to each other.  Touch is used to locate any misalignments in your muscles, ligaments, or joints.  Techniques such as deep tissue massage and joint manipulation are then used to rectify misalignments in order to recover the patient’s function and mobility. Your body has a natural healing ability that is impaired when your musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly.  Once identified and alignment problems  are treated, your body will be able to heal itself more efficiently. FM patients need to make sure that the therapist has an understanding of fibromyalgia because each therapy is specifically designed for the individual.  Certain therapies may aggravate your symptoms where the same therapy may be tolerable or beneficial for someone else.

Poor posture can be a key element in FM and CMP symptoms.  Your osteopath will show you how to improve your posture in order to avoid putting as much strain on your muscles and joints as possible.  If you have bad posture, it can generate new trigger points in CMP patients and they are easily irritated once they are developed.  The trigger point needs to be released and stopped from coming back.

Joint manipulation can relieve pressure on nerve endings, release muscle tension and loosen up the joints for ease of movement. The key to joint manipulation is that you (the patient) relax as much as possible.  The more tense you are, the less likely it is that your joints can be manipulated.

Osteopathy treatment may also include therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and relaxation training.

Osteopathy is a university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification.  An osteopath is licensed to prescribe medication and also perform surgery. You can find an osteopath in local hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, academic medical centers, and military hospitals.  Basically, anywhere one would expect to find a doctor.

Talk to your primary physician about any therapy you might be considering.  Your doctor can help you decide what therapies/treatment options are best for you.

Osteopathy (known as OMM osteopathic manipulative medicine in the U.S.),  stresses  the connection between all organ systems of the body, specifically focusing on the Musculoskeletal System, and its function throughout the entire body to unify the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and musculoskeletal systems to function one cohesive unit.  This, combined with good dietary and /or exercise prescription can enhance a fibromyalgia (FM) patient’s well being.  It is also said to be helpful in treating FM’s over-lapping conditions as well (i.e., CFS, CMP or MPS, IBS & others).  In most countries osteopathy uses a more holistic approach and the use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions.

Early intervention by an osteopath allows probable sources of referred pain to be identified, making it possible for you to change to your lifestyle now to avoid the inevitable pain later on.  Osteopaths can offer prevention advice such as stretching exercises, lifting techniques, posture, breathing and stress reduction, so that individuals can maintain their own health.

OMM can be helpful in treating anterior knee pain, asthma, epicondylitis, tendonitis, impingement syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), headaches, back and neck pain, heel/ foot pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and vertigo. It can also be an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia (FM), osteoarthritis, shin splints, tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, herniated disc, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Bell’s palsy, pregnancy and childbirth, and premenstrual syndrome.

Osteopaths are thoroughly educated about the placement of bones and muscles and how they perform in relation to each other.  Touch is used to locate any misalignments in your muscles, ligaments, or joints.  Techniques such as deep tissue massage and joint manipulation are then used to rectify misalignments in order to recover the patient’s function and mobility. Your body has a natural healing ability that is impaired when your musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly.  Once identified and alignment problems  are treated, your body will be able to heal itself more efficiently. FM patients need to make sure that the therapist has an understanding of fibromyalgia because each therapy is specifically designed for the individual.  Certain therapies may aggravate your symptoms where the same therapy may be tolerable or beneficial for someone else.

Poor posture can be a key element in FM and CMP symptoms.  Your osteopath will show you how to improve your posture in order to avoid putting as much strain on your muscles and joints as possible.  If you have bad posture, it can generate new trigger points in CMP patients and they are easily irritated once they are developed.  The trigger point needs to be released and stopped from coming back.

Joint manipulation can relieve pressure on nerve endings, release muscle tension and loosen up the joints for ease of movement. The key to joint manipulation is that you (the patient) relax as much as possible.  The more tense you are, the less likely it is that your joints can be manipulated.

Osteopathy treatment may also include therapies such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and relaxation training.

Osteopathy is a university course, which includes a degree and masters qualification.  An osteopath is licensed to prescribe medication and also perform surgery. You can find an osteopath in local hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, academic medical centers, and military hospitals.  Basically, anywhere one would expect to find a doctor.

Talk to your primary physician about any therapy you might be considering.  Your doctor can help you decide what therapies/treatment options are best for you.

I have spent a significant amount of time and research as it relates to ones diet and how it can affect health. In fact, Ive written several articles on diet and how it relates to specific illnesses.

Although research is lacking in the department of diet and fibromyalgia, some does exist. What I have focused on the most though, is actual feedback from my clients.

My program has shown them the most hope to alleviating their Fibromyalgia symptoms, many, if not most, stated that a change in diet was also key.

Fibromyalgia is a disease that affects both the muscles and connective tissues. The main symptoms are chronic pain in these areas and extreme pain even when gently touched.

Other symptoms include: extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances including bruxism (tooth grinding), hard time breathing and swallowing.

Fibromyalgia has also had a long history of not being accepted as an actual medical condition by many doctors. Many times my clients have written telling me their doctor told them, Its all in your head.

While thats an infuriating thing to read, let alone hear from a doctor who is supposed to care, recent studies indicate that could actually be the key. No known organic cause can be found, so many are now starting to believe that fibromyalgia is in fact a psychological condition.

Thats not to say these are imaginary symptoms of pain. The same research also indicates that those who suffer from fibromyalgia have a heightened sense of pain, meaning, for those who normally dont register stimuli as pain, you will register it if you suffer from fibromyalgia.

As far as diet goes, it follows a pretty common sense approach. Key foods to avoid are: chocolate, coffee, alcohol, foods high in salt, fried foods, high fat foods, white flour or sugar, carbonated drinks, Nutrasweet or saccharine and tobacco (although not technically a food).

Keep in mind that this is a preventative approach ” avoid foods that can further stifle an already suppressed immune system (like alcohol). Stay away from high fat foods which are known to cause lethargy. Avoid fried and high salt foods which can cause the body to swell, and lead to further pain.

Breathing and relaxation exercises are also recommended. Be careful though, with exercise. Overdoing it can set off painful symptoms. I highly recommend my Fibromyalgia program. Its results have been amazing!

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Christian Goodman has dedicated his life to health research and found solutions to many serious conditions. You can learn more about him on his natural health alternatives blog where you can read about his solutions for several conditions such as hypertension, snoring, and his phenomenal natural treatment for obtaining fibromyalgia help.

Gentle stretching can be performed by physical therapists and/or practiced by patients at home. Several programs have been fashioned for Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients for this purpose. Stretching is important because it helps to relieve muscle tension and spasm. In difficult-to-treat areas, “spray and stretch” techniques can be used by applying a spray coolant to sore muscles, which deadens pain while the muscles are stretched. Many therapists prefer to ice the muscle, since the spray is a prescription, is flammable, and causes pollution. Ice works just as effectively.

Stretching, as it relates to physical health and fitness, is the process of placing particular parts of the body into a position that will lengthen the muscles and associated soft tissues. Stretching is a simple and effective activity that helps to minimize muscle and joint soreness in FM and other musculoskeletal conditions.

There is a right way to stretch and a wrong way to stretch.  So, you must be careful. Stretching can be damaging if done incorrectly. You don’t want to do more harm than good!  It is important that the following guidelines be followed, both for safety and for maximizing the potential benefits of stretching.

The most important things you need to know about stretching:

Warm up the muscles FIRST:  Cold muscles can injure very easily and so it is very important to warm up the body before any significant stretching or exercise. The body’s core temperature needs to be brought up during your warm-up.  This will increase the temperature of the muscles, making them more pliable and loose.  A warm-up will also increase the heart rate, blood flow and nutrients getting to the muscles. As your breathing rate increases, the amount of essential oxygen reaching the muscles rises.  A safe warm-up for a FM, CMP or CFS patient might be a brisk walk or a short swim. The warm up should not last more than 10 minutes and it shouldn’t be too taxing.  If your level of fitness is somewhat low or severe pain is experienced, you need to ease up.

Stretch slowly and gently:  Slow gentle stretching helps to relax the muscles of the body.  FM & other chronic pain sufferers who use sudden or jerky movements or over-stretch can find themselves in increased pain, muscle strain and even muscle tears.  All stretches should be done as if in slow motion and as smoothly as possible.

Don‘t stretch further than is comfortable:  Over-stretching is one of the main causes of muscle strains and tears and so it is important that each muscle is only stretched as far as is comfortable.  If you overdo it you can cause the tendons and ligaments attached to the muscle to spontaneously contract which can be painful, to say the least and can cause permanent damage. Stretching should never be painful.

Practice breath control while stretching:  Many people tend to hold their breath when stretching and don’t even realize it.  Holding your breath can cause the muscles to tense and stretching a tight muscle can lead to injury, especially in FM, CMP & CFS sufferers who already have tense and painful muscles. The amount of oxygen and nutrients needed will be greatly depleted if you hold your breath and the muscles will develop excessive lactic acid which is very painful.  So make sure you BREATHE!

Doing it Right:  Each stretch should be held for around 30 seconds for the maximum effect. Anything less than this will not provide a sufficient length of time for the muscle to relax and lengthen.  Each muscle group needs to be stretched a minimum of two or three times in rotation as well.  Chronic pain sufferers may have trouble stretching to this extent in the beginning.  You should only stretch until you start to feel uncomfortable. Even if you can only handle a few minutes at first, it will be worth it.  You will gradually be able to increase the time and hopefully even the rotations.  Do a LITTLE every day so you don’t end up in so much pain, you that you can’t stretch the next day.

I believe you will be amazed at the benefits of stretching when done properly!  I sure was!  I can do more and I feel better after a good stretch in the morning.  It also helps me relax at night.