TRose
Hi! I have had CFS/FMS for over 11 years. I have found massage therapy to be a life-saver but you have to be careful that you find a certified massage therapist through the American Massage Therapy Association (the 800 # is listed in the phone book). Then I would call a few and do some interviewing by asking if they treat people living with fibromyalgia, how many have they treated, what type of therapy is practiced (deep pressure, therapeutic massage, etc.), hours, what they charge, and anything else that might be of interest to you. You might want to stay away from anything rough on the body and do not be shy to (1) try a couple different therapists and (2) direct your treatment; after all you are paying for the session and if they go too deep or are too hard, ask then to lighten up. Most will be glad for this feedback, after all, they want return customers. Find someone you are comfortable and compatible with. Accupressure does not always work too well for me because some places just do not want to seem to relax, however, I have heard of others who have experienced great success with it. As with Fibro: "Different strokes for different folks" for we know how the fibro affects each of us differently in some ways and in others the same. Same thing for accupuncture (with the needles/pins.) Another thing I have found most helpful is to ask the physician who is treating your FMS for some sessions with a Physical Therapist (if your insurance company allows it.) What you want is help with a beginning stretching and strengthening exercise program, as well as postural training. With a stretching program, you will be amazed at how much easier it becomes to deal with the pain because you are increasing your flexibility and mobility which both tense up when muscles and soft connective tissues are tight. Please do not think it happens overnight either. You have to hang in there, taking some time out for flares when they come, but getting right back on track when your body allows it. Other 'alternative treatment stratgies' I have found extremely beneficial are biofeedback treatments (where you learn to regulate your body temperature and stress levels), relaxation and/or visualization tapes along with learning diaphragmatic breathing (from the belly) because this helps one enter a relaxation state that has a calming effect on the body. Notice, I claim no cures, sorry, there just are not any out there yet. Still it was my intention to inform you of various areas of treatment that might be helpful or worth a try. As in all our lives with FMS, trial and error and finding what works best for you individually is what will help you to live with this invisible disability to the best of your ability. Also, always check with your doctor before trying anything new because he/she knows you and what may be helpful or harmful to you personaly. I hope this info. has at least added to your knowledge base.