HOW DO YOU SURVIVE WITH FIBROMYALGIA IN WINTER?
REFLEXOLOGY CAN HELP YOU!
Written by Susana Palazzotti
Fibromyalgia refers to a group of non-articular rheumatic common disorders characterised by pain and stiffness of varying intensity of the muscles, tendons and surrounding soft tissue. Although the outcome of the general physical examination is usually normal people look healthy, a careful examination of the muscles of people with fibromyalgia, reveals the touch sensitive areas in specific places called tender points.
Winter is probably the most feared season by people with painful chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, since climate change can increase the pain and, in turn, impact the mood.
There are several theories about why winter increases the pain, for example:
– Change in the sleep cycle and internal clock (circadian rhythm)
-The body creates more pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins consider the bosses of immune system)
-During the winter many people experience seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that could also increase the pain.
-The muscles are tightened more in the cold.
– People avoid going outside, so that you have less physical activity and worsens the condition.
In a small study of 10 fibromyalgia patients who were treated with reflexology twice a week for five weeks , the researchers found definite improvement in the symptoms of the ten patients , no side effects. Patients undergoing regular treatments reflexology report an improvement in : -Myofascial pain, headaches, tenderness and tightness in my muscles.-Mental Clarity-Irritable bowel syndrome-Fatigue-Sleep disorders-Depression
| If you have fibromyalgia and suffer a lot of pain in this time, Here are some practical tips to help you survive the winter: 1. Keep yourself warm. There are some items that you can use in your daily life and allow you to control the pain by cold winter. e.g electric blanket. 2. Keep moving. Exercise is one of the best ways to keep controlled the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and quitting can make them worse. Look for a plan of exercises you can do, such as yoga or Pilates . |
3. Use wool. Wearing woolen clothes, woolen bedding can significantly reduce the pain of fibromyalgia. Make sure you are dressed warmly in winter. 4. Try to have a shower at night. Just before you get to bed so that you stay warm. 5. Keep your home well lit. If you are a person who suffers from seasonal affective disorder, this can help you a lot. |
Reflexology can be done as part of a full body massage, or as an independent treatment. Treatments usually last about 60 minutes. Make an appointment with our expert reflexologists.
