
Fibromyalgia (FM) or Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a condition that causes widespread muscle pain throughout the body and it is thought that the condition may affect nearly 1 in every 20 people throughout the population.
As well as the widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also experience and suffer with a wide range of symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Muscle stiffness
- Memory and concentration problems (brain fog)
- Sensitivity to touch and pain
- Headaches
- Joint pain
The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown, however there are many theories, abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain and changes to the way the central nervous system processes pain messages, people maybe predisposed to developing fibromyalgia because of genes inherited from their parents, disturbed sleep patterns, the condition maybe triggered by a physical or emotionally stressful event. Most researchers believe fibromyalgia is not caused by a single factor but from a combination of both physical and emotional stressors.
Currently there is also no specific test for the diagnosis of the condition and this is why a diagnosis can be so hard to achieve as the symptoms can be so similar to a number of other conditions.
Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, however it is more common in women than in men, and although can occur at any age, it typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50. There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, however treatment can help to ease some of the symptoms experienced. Your doctor may prescribe a range of medication including painkillers, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and sleeping tablets.
If you are looking for a more natural way to help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia then this is where the Bowen Technique may be able to help you!
Sadly I see a growing number of people who are suffering with fibromyalgia symptoms and many who have tried other forms of therapies before discovering the Bowen Technique.
As Bowen is so gentle, and can be tailored to each individual, I have found it to be rather successful at helping to relieve and in some cases, even resolve some of the issues suffered by my clients with fibromyalgia. Symptoms that seem to respond well to the Bowen Technique are fatigue, joint and muscle pain and in many cases the ‘brain fog’ which seems to be one of the most debilitating symptoms linked to this illness.
Below is a recent case study about a client who came to my clinic to see if the Bowen Technique could help her and the symptoms she was suffering on a daily basis, many of those being caused by her fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis and IBS
S, a 30 year old female, who was living with a number of conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis, IBS and Fibromyalgia.
She spent most of everyday in pain, with only the location and amount varying. Sleep was often limited to less than 3 hours a night and she was only able to work in a part time position.
After her first treatment S felt less anxious about everything, was sleeping more through the night and was able to stand for periods of time without having pins and needles in the legs and feet.
After her second treatment S had halved the number of painkillers she was needing to take and family members had noticed a large improvement in her both physically and mentally.
After her third treatment, S had worked nearly double her normal working hours and had managed to maintain the lower level of pain relief.
After her fourth treatment she said………..
“This week I have accomplished two things that at one point recently after finally, officially being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I thought I might never be able to do again. Yesterday I did a whole session at the gym, including cardio and weights, and today I went for a jog/powerwalk of about 5 miles. This amazing transformation has only been possible due to Bowen Therapy.
When I think that only a few weeks ago a brisk walk would have me puffing and panting, and I would be in pain after being on my feet for only a few minutes, plus most days I struggled to get out of bed due to the pain and stiffness I was experiencing. I was also constantly being pumped full of painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication and anxiety pills just to get through a 5 hour shift at work. All I can say is a massive ‘Thank you’ to this lovely lady for giving me my life back! Thank you Jules x” S Reynolds.
Anyone wanting to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07709 452412 or my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/norfolkbowentherapy. If you would like to come and have a chat, please contact me, I offer a free 30 minute consultation at my clinic in Cantley.
Suffers can also contact one of the many support groups and charities involved with fibromyalgia. FibroAction is a charity that offers information and support to people living with fibromyalgia. If you would like to talk to someone there, their number is 0844 443 5422.
Please note that the Bowen Technique is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you are unsure, or have any concerns, please consult your GP.