The Impact Of Fibromyalgia

Course overview

Earn credits through articles you've already read in our Massage Professionals Update e-newsletter. Discover how you can begin assisting those clients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Through this brief program you will: -Understand the criteria used by physicians for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia as well as difficulties in such a diagnosis ¿ widespread pain, 11 of 18 active tender points over the four quadrants of the body, pain for three months or more. -Identify possible causes of fibromyalgia ¿ autonomic nervous system dysfunction, sleep disorders, trauma, and infection. -Recognize the symptoms experienced by fibromyalgia patients ¿ difficulty with daily living, depression, limited ability to care for self and family. -Summarize ways to help fibromyalgia patients accept their pain. -Distinguish between chronic fibromyalgia pain and flare-ups that occur for fibromyalgia patients. -Determine appropriate massage therapy techniques for use on fibromyalgia patients. In the course The Impact of Fibromyalgia we've combined articles written especially for the Institute's Massage Professionals Update. These articles include: -Maintaining Compassion for Fibromyalgia Clients - Although skilled massage therapists are capable of relieving the pain of fibromyalgia, a common practitioner pitfall can get in the way. -Fibromyalgia Relief Aided by Releasing Fear - Discover how massage therapists can help their clients with fibromyalgia break through chronic pain by addressing the practice of fear avoidance. -Fibromyalgia Part 1: Fibromyalgia Relief with Massage - Help your clients with fibromyalgia relieve their pain. Learn about this debilitating syndrome - and how massage therapists can make a tremendous impact on their clients with fibromyalgia. -Fibromyalgia Part 2: Nine Massage Techniques - Fibromyalgia sufferers know massage can be their most powerful ally, as long as the therapist knows how to handle this painful syndrome. Read which techniques are the most helpful, and what bodyworkers need to be aware of when handling clients with fibromyalgia. -Fibromyalgia: Not Just the Patient Suffers - Fibromyalgia has long been a misunderstood illness that affects not only those diagnosed with it, but their families as well. Massage therapy offers a proven treatment option for the patient, their family members and caretakers. -Emphasis on Breathing Helps Massage Clients in Pain - Learn about research suggesting that chronic pain sufferers benefit from slowed breathing.