I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for most of my adult life, but was not diagnosed until
about ten years ago. Ten years prior to the diagnosis, I had gone to a top rheumatologist
in Northeastern Ohio and has been diagnosed with early onset of osteoarthritis at 40 years old.
When describing to the physician my unusual onset of severe symptoms, he recommended that
I come back during one of those episodes. But I let it go untreated until a massage therapist
talked to me about FMS (Fibromyalgia).
Prior to going back to the rheumatologist, I started weekly massage therapy and found that
I was getting relief from some of the worst symptoms. When diagnosed with FMS, my
rheumatologist advised me that the benefit I was receiving from massage therapy was reducing
my severe FMS symptoms. He not only recommended that I continue, he even wrote a prescription
for me to continue it.
I fought the fatigue and pain for more than 20 years before I was finally diagnosed.
It wasn’t until I started weekly massage therapy that I began to get some relief.
As I read more and more about FMS, I realized there were other things that I could do to
get further relief:
- Sleep at least 8 hours per night and strive for uninterrupted sleep.
- Avoid caffeine … especially in the afternoon or evening.
- Avoid refined sugar. Keep it for a treat and keep it minimal.
- Get regular exercise. Not difficult over-the-top exercise … just simple cardio and
- some moderate strength training.
- Stretching is a must! Moderate Yoga is excellent.
- Avoid stress as much as possible.
#1 & #2 most important are massage therapy weekly .. or at least as often as your budget will allow
and keep your thoughts as positive as possible. Negative thinking will only make the symptoms worse.
It’s essential to keep a good outlook on life and count your blessings.
While some think of massage therapy as a luxury, I look at it as a necessity. I would gladly give
up something else to have the money for my weekly massage therapy. It not only helps the physical symptoms, it helps the mental symptoms too.
I have had regular weekly massage therapy since the mid-90’s and continue to leave an active productive life
with very manageable FMS symptoms. I have had many different therapists over the years and have found
Jennifer Collins to be one of the best for my overall FMS symptoms and well-being.
Take control of your FMS … don’t let it control you! Start regular massage therapy now and get on the path
to a better quality of life!
Kathy Victor
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