Fibromyalgia: Secrets to Long-Term Healing

Fibromyalgia, a complex and often misunderstood condition, can be a source of immense challenges for those who experience it. Characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, fibromyalgia's symptomology can be both physically and mentally exhausting. In this post, I delve into how fibromyalgia may manifest, the difficulties individuals face in finding lasting pain relief, and explore the uncovered potential of somatic healing techniques, specialized massage therapy, and breathwork as long-term healing modalities.

The Unveiling of Symptomology:

Fibromyalgia doesn't announce itself with a sudden onset; it tends to creep in slowly. It may begin with unexplained fatigue, muscle stiffness, or tender points in various parts of the body. Over time, these symptoms can escalate to widespread pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive challenges (commonly referred to as "fibro fog"), and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. The ambiguity and fluctuating nature of these symptoms often make diagnosis and management a daunting journey.

Challenges in Finding Long-Term Relief:

One of the most significant challenges faced by those with fibromyalgia is the pursuit of effective long-term pain relief. Conventional pain management approaches, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, may provide some relief, but fail to address underlying causes. This struggle often leads individuals to seek alternative methods that recognize the mind-body connection at the heart of fibromyalgia’s presentation.

The Psychosomatic Nature of Fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia is now recognized as a psychosomatic disorder, on a continuum, indicating a complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional factors. Oftentimes, a traumatic event such as a car accident, surgical procedure, sexual violation, etc. precedes the presentation of fibromyalgia symptoms. The nervous system being on “high alert” post-event for an extended period (as with PTSD, a comorbid condition*) is, essentially at the root of fibromyalgia’s onset—meaning that treating the nervous system is key to improving long-term recovery. Additional stressors, traumas, psychological, and physiological distress can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms, further highlighting the importance of holistic approaches that encompass both the body and the mind in healing from fibromyalgia.

A New Approach to Managing Fibromyalgia: Somatic Healing, Specialized Massage, and Breathwork:

1. Somatic Healing: Somatic healing focuses on the connection between the mind and body, and an individual’s relationship between the past, present, and future moment. This alternative healing method aims to release both mental and physical tension rooted in emotional and psychological experiences. Therapists trained in somatic healing are able to guide individuals to explore their body sensations, emotions, and beliefs—at the individual’s pace—facilitating healing on multiple levels. This approach can empower fibromyalgia patients to develop increased emotional self-awareness, build self-efficacy, and respects every individual’s wave-like body rhythms to healing.

2. Skilled Massage Therapy: Massage therapy, particularly when practiced by a skilled therapist with a background in somatic healing, can provide much-needed physical and psychological pain relief. These therapists apply techniques that go beyond traditional massage, incorporating awareness of breath, mindfulness, and gentle movements. Such an approach can help release tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain while fostering relaxation and a greater mind-body connection.

3. Breathwork: Breathwork techniques, such as deep diaphragmatic (assisted or unassisted) breathing, positional breathing, and mindful breath awareness, can play a pivotal role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. By regulating the breath, thereby contributing to a positive response in the nervous system and thereby reducing stress, breathwork contributes to pain reduction and an improved sense of well-being. Integrating regular breathwork practices with additional healing modalities can create a comprehensive approach to addressing fibromyalgia's complex nature.

Conclusion:

Fibromyalgia's symptomology is intricate, encompassing physical pain, cognitive challenges, and emotional distress. Finding long-term relief can be a frustrating journey, but the recognition of its psychosomatic nature opens doors to holistic approaches. Somatic healing sessions, skilled massage therapy with a somatic focus, and breathwork offer individuals powerful tools to address the multi-dimensional aspects of fibromyalgia. As we continue to unravel the complexities of this condition in future posts, learning about and embracing these healing modalities can pave the way to a more manageable and fulfilling life for all of those living with fibromyalgia.

*Note: I use the word "condition" about PTSD for general understanding. My personal and professional view on the word is that PTSD and cPTSD is that they are normal, psychosomatic stress responses to a nervous system reaction that was interrupted, "trapped" in the motor cortex, and got "stuck on repeat" every time particular stimuli are present. More on this in another post. (For immediate access to additional information on this topic, seek out Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Dr. Peter A. Levine)