Fibromyalgia and the Benefits of Relaxation Therapy – Let’s Just Relax!

As a Fibromyalgia or Other Chronic Pain sufferer, do you ever really feel relaxed and care-free?  I seriously doubt the answer is “yes”.  Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Myofascial Pain and other chronic pain symptoms are made worse by stress, and the pain of the condition can increase depression and anxiety.

It is that vicious cycle we all know about. Relaxation techniques can help. Some that have proven successful are meditation, breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and autogenic training.

The pain and related symptoms of Fibromyalgia cause significant stress to the body. Recent research suggests that, physiologically, FM patients simply do not process stress well.  I am one of those people.

Relaxation therapy techniques focus on relaxing the body and the mind. When the body is relaxed, pain and physical problems may be reduced. When the mind is relaxed, anxiety, stress and emotional disorders can be treated.

Relaxation therapies can help Fibromyalgia patients remain calm and relaxed.  Relaxation therapies such as meditation, are used to manage the symptoms, rather than treating the disease. The goal is to remove the focus of the mind on pain and problems in order to realize a state of calmness. It should decrease feelings of depression and anxiety that may occur in people with FM. 

After practicing relaxation therapy for about 6 – 8 weeks you may find that you have become more calm and that you recover from stress more quickly.  It will also make it easier for you to learn other relaxation therapy techniques for FM symptoms and other conditions.

Deep muscle relaxation is one of the most effective pain and stress management techniques available.  Diaphragmatic breathing is a wonderful method.  The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. Combining diaphragmatic breathing with relaxation techniques helps to achieve greater deep muscle relaxation. Guided imagery is a technique where the person uses visual imagery as a tool to achieve relaxation.

Stress management programs are so important: Biofeedback, Watsu (body massage performed while lying in warm water), meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, Tai Chi, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and autogenic training (technique that teaches your body to respond to your verbal commands). Patients need to receive initial training for many of these but can often continue practicing what they have learned on their own. There are many books, CD’s, DVD’s and classes you can utilize.

Another technique is to systematically train groups of muscles by tensing and relaxing. This technique is best learned with the aid of a trained practitioner.  It is suggested that you can develop the ability put yourself in a relaxed state at will, even when face with a very stressful situation.

Relaxation Therapy is said to be beneficial for: asthma, anxiety, hypertension, angina, back pain, cancer treatment support, chronic pain, congestive heart failure, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, menopause, osteoarthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, stress in general, stroke rehabilitation, surgery support (primarily reducing pain and stress before or after surgery), tension headaches, ulcerative colitis, depression, anxiety.

It is best to use relaxation techniques that you feel comfortable with in order for the maximum benefit to be achieved.  Any thing that inspires the body to become more relaxed may be used for relaxation therapy.  I love a relaxing bath and relaxing music.  Imagining a peaceful or enjoyable activity or setting helps a lot of people.  You need to find a method of relaxation that works for you. What do you think of when you imagine peace, quiet and comfort?  That’s where your mind should take you.

Although relaxation therapists can be helpful, you can use relaxation techniques at home.  In order to learn relaxation techniques, you can find books, DVDs, CDs and magazines that will teach you the basics.  You can also join a group that will teach you the techniques to use and can then be practiced at home.

Always consult your doctor about any new therapy or program you are considering!  Only you and your doctor can determine what’s right for you.  Let’s just relax!