Condition · Whole Body
Fibromyalgia
How Myofascial Release addresses it, and what to expect.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, and fatigue. Individuals with fibromyalgia often experience pain in specific areas of the body, known as tender points, which are particularly sensitive to pressure. These tender points are commonly found around joints, but they can occur in various locations. In addition to pain and tenderness, fibromyalgia is associated with a range of other symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Trauma, infections, or certain illnesses may trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
Why fascia is involved
Widespread pain lives in the body's most widespread tissue.
Fascia is the one tissue that touches everything, and in fibromyalgia it is often found thickened, tight and tender throughout the body. Restricted fascia squeezes the muscles it surrounds, irritates the nerves that travel through it, limits circulation and keeps the nervous system sensitized, which fits the pattern of widespread tender points, fatigue and pain that flares with stress and weather.
Myofascial Release approaches fibromyalgia by gently releasing restrictions throughout the whole body rather than chasing individual sore spots, with the slow, sustained pressure that a sensitized system can tolerate. Sessions are paced carefully. Many people with fibromyalgia find it reduces overall pain, improves sleep and gives them back some energy.
MFR Resource
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Every therapist in the Directory is trained in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach®.