Fibromyalgia
FIBROMYALGIA
When I incorporated Bowen Therapy into my podiatry practice the patients who had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia either did very well, or they did really badly. I soon came to some conclusions:
That some patients think they have FM because their doctor told them so but don't really have it. Others who do have FM, have varying degrees of severity. And, that it affects mostly women and rarely men so there must be some hormonal element to it.
I learned to do the following when a patient tells me they have FM. If a massage is agreeable and feels good, Bowen will likely help. If a massage is painful during or after – Bowen will likely be painful too. If they do not have massages, I do a little bit of Bowen to test the water. If a little bit is good then we proceed from there.
For those who experience pain from massages and Bowen, John F. Barnes’s, “MYOFASCIAL RELEASE” technique, is very good.
My teacher, who had no medical training, but was very well learned plus highly intuitive, told me that many women who have FM have had bunion surgery. I don't know if he is right on this, but he turned out to be right on many other issues.
My experiences with fibromyalgia are limited. I believe in and use the Law of Attraction. I don’t attract many FM patients.
In the File section of the Bowen Therapy forum group there is a paper from the Fair Oaks, California therapists. It seems pretty right on to me.
[email protected]
Following is one of my good experiences. But, I don’t think that he really had FM. He probably was misdiagnosed.
Here's an experience I had and a letter from a gentleman whom I did a brief chair Bowen at a FM support group meeting:
I was invited to do a presentation and demonstration at a local fibromyalgia support group in Gastonia, NC. My massage therapist friend, (Bowen student and instigator of this trip), suggested to just do a chair demonstration, rather than bring a massage table.
After I told the fibromyalgia people all about Bowen and how it can help F.M., plus some case histories, an overweight man in his early 50’s, volunteered to be the victim. I sat him on a chair backwards, and did Milton Albrecht’s “Optional procedure”, plus BRP 1-2-3 with rests in between. During the rests, he commented,” I can feel heat coming out of my back. I feel tingling in my toes. I am getting really relaxed”.
When we were through, after about 5 minutes, he arose from the chair and said, “My ankle and back pains are gone. My feet have full sensation-I can feel my socks with my toes. Wow. I do not believe this. How could this be?” He made an appointment to have a full- table top session at my office the following week.
When he came for his appointment he was totally pain free and really didn’t need a full table top Bowen session, but I did one anyway. During the session, he told me the rest of the story.
His feet had been numb since early adulthood. He developed muscle pains throughout the body circa 1998. Sometime after that, he began experiencing severe ankle pain, stiffness in the feet, wrists, and hands. He also had intermittent low back pain. His family doc did a preliminary work-up and then sent him to a neurologist who performed many other tests, which all were negative. He referred him to a leading neurologist in Chapel Hill, NC. His findings were the same and he referred him back to his doctor in Gastonia. Sometime later, his doctor referred him to a 3rd neurologist in Wake Forest, NC, which provided no information or relief other than a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. During all of this he took high doses of narcotics and consumed alcohol in order to cope with the pain. He also attended fibromyalgia support group meetings once a month. last year he successfully went through drug and alcohol rehab, and since has been taking non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medication by the hand full (which only partially relieved some of the pain, and upset his stomach), and was, “Just living with the pain”. His sleep patterns were dysfunctional and he could not work full time during the past 4 years.
Very likely Rodney was misdiagnosed with the fibromyalgia syndrome by this very learned, licensed, and board certified neurologist, and he then followed a pathway of narcotic and alcohol abuse along the way. He lost his job because of his addiction. He almost lost his family too.
There is something wrong with this picture. Rodney went through 10 years of misery which was eliminated with 5 minutes of treatment. He should have had this treatment at the beginning of the trip, not at the end.
I am a 51 year old male, for the past 10 years I have suffered from chronic soreness, and or pain all over my body. I have been called an enigma by a nationally known neurologist, miss diagnosed by another neurologist. Finally, another very well- known neurologist gave up and diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome/ fibromyalgia. This led me to numerous attempts to solve my pain issues with narcotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and muscle relaxers.
Recently, I decided to try the BOWEN TECHNIQUE. I experienced immediate relief from years of muscle and joint pain. When administered, I felt warmth pass through my back and legs. There was also some tingling sensations in my legs and ankles. On the day this was done I could not stand due to pain in my ankles and knees. All pain left my ankles, knees, feet, and muscles throughout my body. I was amazed and could not understand, all that I knew was I felt better than I had felt in many years. The treatment received was only a partial treatment session, which I found to be even more amazing. I have since, followed up with 2 more full sessions. I no longer take any pain medications. The pains have not returned and I continue to improve in areas I did not know I would. I have feeling in my feet that I lost in early adulthood. I have mobility in my hands, wrists, and ankles that I had lost about 5 years ago. It is so nice not to have my stomach upset by anti-inflammatory medicines. This has also helped improve my mental outlook on life. I am more anxious to be involved in daily activities of life that I had previously stayed away from.
I have had a great experience with this technique and would recommend just about anyone to give it a try. It is economical, and all you have to lose is ailments!
Feeling Better Every Day,
Rodney S.
Here’s the procedure I used:
CHAIRSIDE RE-BOOT
Over time, I keep hearing the same things over and over again
1. Less is best- I have heard this in many different venues.
2. Milton’s awesome “Optional Procedure” had worked many a miracle.
3. THE PURIST’S, “Only Relaxation procedures 1-2-3 and 2 others today”.
4. Patients saying, “I’d love to, but I just do not have time”.
5. Chair-side massage is accepted in many work-places.
6. A short – affordable session that is effective should be well received.
7. A nice short demonstration of Bowen would be good – no sheets, pillows, table.
So, I put together the knowns and came up with an idea. A 5 minute chair-side Bowen Session, which includes 2 minute rests. I call it, “Chair Side Re-Boot”. One of its’ main applications is in the workplace. But, it can also can be used as a demonstration / free initial session, a part of the appointment routine among the full body sequences, and walk-ins can also be accommodated with it.
PROCEDURE FOR A DIAGRAM SHOWING THE MOVES CONTACT ME AND I'LL SEND BY E-MAIL. [email protected]
Prerequisites: None
Client positioned comfortably on a massage chair, or table chair facing the back.
Part A.
1. Optional Procedure (sitting instead of standing).
2. BRP 1 A = BRM's
3. BRP 2 A = BRM's
4. BRP 3 A = BRM's
REST 1 – 2 minutes.
Part B.
1. BRP 1 B = BRM's
2. BRP 2 B = BRM's
3. BRP 3 B = BRM's
REST 1 – 2 minutes
Part C.
1. Optional - (Sitting instead of standing)
REST 1 - 2 Minutes before getting up.
Applications:
1. Demonstrations.
2. Trial Treatment.
3. Last minute work-in for emergency.
4. Tune-up.
5. Workplace sessions for occupational enhancement.
6. Client who is unable to lie on a table.
OPTIONAL PROCEDURE
Milton first taught me this procedure during one of our fireside chats circa 2000. Initially he taught it in his Basic Bowen course. However, he discovered that the students only practiced the one procedure because it worked so well, and neglected the rest of the lessons. So, he moved it to the Advanced section. He told me to, “Use this when your client is in so much pain that they can’t get up on the table. It will relax them so they can move a little better, and then they can get up on the table.” I filed this into my data bank and went about my business. On occasion, I found this procedure helpful for patients who were in acute spasms and could not climb up onto the table. It enabled them to be slightly more mobile, and it only took a minute or so to do.
K.C,, who was one of my long time, regular patients said, “Of my God. I met your guru, Uncle Milty. I went to his house with a friend and he cleared up my gallbladder problem. Just to think that I was going to have surgery for my gallbladder, and now I won’t!” I was happy for her and we talked a bit about Milton and Bowen during the rest of her podiatry visit that morning.
Milton passed in January of 2003. A few months before I left California and my podiatry practice, K.C. was in for her podiatry appointment. She lamented, “Oh, I sure wish our Uncle Milty was still here. My gallbladder problem has resurfaced and my doctor wants me to have surgery. I‘m having a second opinion tomorrow. I remember how Milton fixed my problem, and that was over 4 years ago.” I said, “I can give you a Bowen session.” She said, “That’s right, I forgot you do Bowen too. I’ll schedule an appointment after I get my second opinion.”
I overheard my nurse bringing K.C. into one of my Bowen rooms. She said, “This is your first Bowen with Dr. Mosher isn’t it? You need to take your shoes off and lay face down on the table with your feet on the pillow and your face in the face cradle.” K.C. replied, “Oh no. I don’t have to lie down for this. we can just do it standing up.” I was on to what she was referring to so, I quickly stepped in to save an argument. I said, “K.C. you mean to tell me that all Milton did for you that time you saw him was the standing procedure?” She replied, “That’s right. He did it right there in his living room and I was fine all those years.” So, I did the standing Optional Procedure for her, and she has been fine ever since. I talk to my former office staff now and then, and they keep me posted on patients I was fond of.
At massage school I performed this procedure on a number of classmates with equally good results.
Procedure: Have client stand facing you with their hands on your shoulders. Reach behind with both hands and place your fingertips just above the crest of the ilium over the middle of the erector spinae muscles. With your right hand push slack medially and hold pressure against the muscle for 3 seconds. As you increase the pressure straighten your fingertips so the muscle rolls out from under your fingertips. The move is made 30 degrees superiorly and laterally which completes move 1. Repeat with your left hand on the client's right side to complete move 2. Move your hands up the spine 2 inches and repeat the process for moves 3 & 4. Move up another 2 inches and repeat for moves 5 & 6. Add additional oblique moves until you reach the mid scapula region. If there is any tenderness along the way up have client take deep breaths between repeat moves. You may repeat the sequence 3 times if needed.
Reposition your hands so your middle fingers are resting on the coccyx hold point (sacral notch). Move slack inferior toward the coccyx with your right hand, and then make an oblique move 45 degrees superior and laterally over the reflex point to complete move 7. Repeat with your left hand on the right side to complete move 8. Have client breath in and out deeply and take a few steps. Repeat 7 & 8 if still tender.
This procedure is highly effective by itself as a warm-up, or if a client has difficulty lying prone on the table, do this procedure to loosen them up first. It may also be used if your client experiences any kidney / low back discomfort following a regular session. A great procedure to play around with at a party, and can stimulate some referrals from the partygoers. Also, if time and space doesn’t allow for a session at the time, this can be done in a hallway or waiting room in your office.
Combined with BRM’S and rests it’s very effective.
In closing, my holistic pharmacist friend has loads of experience with FM. His clients who discontinue sodas and drink Kangen 9.5 pH alkaline restructured water have about 80% relief. When he adds prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes it rises to about 90 to 95%. And combine these two with high dosages of pharmacy grade Co Q 10, it approaches 99%. He had no vested interest in telling me this information, so I believe it to be true.
Anyone interested in more information on Kangen Water, let me know and I’ll provide it.
For Information on food derived prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes supplements check out: www.corehealth.com
For Information on pharmacy grade supplements: [email protected].
He also believes that FM is mostly associated with chemicals, free radicals, and toxins.
I think so too. Since the condition has increased in its frequency since the 1980’s. Our exposure to chemicals in foods, beverages, personal care and cleaning products, and oil based pesticides has risen also. Consumption of poultry and meats provide us with doses of antibiotics continually. These upset our normal bacteria flora in the gut, so digestion becomes impaired. 70% of the immune system comes from the gut and the digestion issue compromises it. Poorly digested foods also becomes toxins.
Muscles are fatigued and lacking ATP, build up lactic acid, stay contracted. CoQ10 is needed for muscle function. That’s why patients develop muscle pains when taking statin drugs, as they deplete the CoQ10 levels.
FM is often associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Compromised immune system is associated with both FM and CFS.
Dr. Mosher, aka Mitchell
[email protected]
704-778-1740
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. CONTENT MAY BE ADDED DAILY. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:http://www.drmitchellmosher.com
When I incorporated Bowen Therapy into my podiatry practice the patients who had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia either did very well, or they did really badly. I soon came to some conclusions:
That some patients think they have FM because their doctor told them so but don't really have it. Others who do have FM, have varying degrees of severity. And, that it affects mostly women and rarely men so there must be some hormonal element to it.
I learned to do the following when a patient tells me they have FM. If a massage is agreeable and feels good, Bowen will likely help. If a massage is painful during or after – Bowen will likely be painful too. If they do not have massages, I do a little bit of Bowen to test the water. If a little bit is good then we proceed from there.
For those who experience pain from massages and Bowen, John F. Barnes’s, “MYOFASCIAL RELEASE” technique, is very good.
My teacher, who had no medical training, but was very well learned plus highly intuitive, told me that many women who have FM have had bunion surgery. I don't know if he is right on this, but he turned out to be right on many other issues.
My experiences with fibromyalgia are limited. I believe in and use the Law of Attraction. I don’t attract many FM patients.
In the File section of the Bowen Therapy forum group there is a paper from the Fair Oaks, California therapists. It seems pretty right on to me.
[email protected]
Following is one of my good experiences. But, I don’t think that he really had FM. He probably was misdiagnosed.
Here's an experience I had and a letter from a gentleman whom I did a brief chair Bowen at a FM support group meeting:
I was invited to do a presentation and demonstration at a local fibromyalgia support group in Gastonia, NC. My massage therapist friend, (Bowen student and instigator of this trip), suggested to just do a chair demonstration, rather than bring a massage table.
After I told the fibromyalgia people all about Bowen and how it can help F.M., plus some case histories, an overweight man in his early 50’s, volunteered to be the victim. I sat him on a chair backwards, and did Milton Albrecht’s “Optional procedure”, plus BRP 1-2-3 with rests in between. During the rests, he commented,” I can feel heat coming out of my back. I feel tingling in my toes. I am getting really relaxed”.
When we were through, after about 5 minutes, he arose from the chair and said, “My ankle and back pains are gone. My feet have full sensation-I can feel my socks with my toes. Wow. I do not believe this. How could this be?” He made an appointment to have a full- table top session at my office the following week.
When he came for his appointment he was totally pain free and really didn’t need a full table top Bowen session, but I did one anyway. During the session, he told me the rest of the story.
His feet had been numb since early adulthood. He developed muscle pains throughout the body circa 1998. Sometime after that, he began experiencing severe ankle pain, stiffness in the feet, wrists, and hands. He also had intermittent low back pain. His family doc did a preliminary work-up and then sent him to a neurologist who performed many other tests, which all were negative. He referred him to a leading neurologist in Chapel Hill, NC. His findings were the same and he referred him back to his doctor in Gastonia. Sometime later, his doctor referred him to a 3rd neurologist in Wake Forest, NC, which provided no information or relief other than a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. During all of this he took high doses of narcotics and consumed alcohol in order to cope with the pain. He also attended fibromyalgia support group meetings once a month. last year he successfully went through drug and alcohol rehab, and since has been taking non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medication by the hand full (which only partially relieved some of the pain, and upset his stomach), and was, “Just living with the pain”. His sleep patterns were dysfunctional and he could not work full time during the past 4 years.
Very likely Rodney was misdiagnosed with the fibromyalgia syndrome by this very learned, licensed, and board certified neurologist, and he then followed a pathway of narcotic and alcohol abuse along the way. He lost his job because of his addiction. He almost lost his family too.
There is something wrong with this picture. Rodney went through 10 years of misery which was eliminated with 5 minutes of treatment. He should have had this treatment at the beginning of the trip, not at the end.
I am a 51 year old male, for the past 10 years I have suffered from chronic soreness, and or pain all over my body. I have been called an enigma by a nationally known neurologist, miss diagnosed by another neurologist. Finally, another very well- known neurologist gave up and diagnosed me with chronic fatigue syndrome/ fibromyalgia. This led me to numerous attempts to solve my pain issues with narcotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and muscle relaxers.
Recently, I decided to try the BOWEN TECHNIQUE. I experienced immediate relief from years of muscle and joint pain. When administered, I felt warmth pass through my back and legs. There was also some tingling sensations in my legs and ankles. On the day this was done I could not stand due to pain in my ankles and knees. All pain left my ankles, knees, feet, and muscles throughout my body. I was amazed and could not understand, all that I knew was I felt better than I had felt in many years. The treatment received was only a partial treatment session, which I found to be even more amazing. I have since, followed up with 2 more full sessions. I no longer take any pain medications. The pains have not returned and I continue to improve in areas I did not know I would. I have feeling in my feet that I lost in early adulthood. I have mobility in my hands, wrists, and ankles that I had lost about 5 years ago. It is so nice not to have my stomach upset by anti-inflammatory medicines. This has also helped improve my mental outlook on life. I am more anxious to be involved in daily activities of life that I had previously stayed away from.
I have had a great experience with this technique and would recommend just about anyone to give it a try. It is economical, and all you have to lose is ailments!
Feeling Better Every Day,
Rodney S.
Here’s the procedure I used:
CHAIRSIDE RE-BOOT
Over time, I keep hearing the same things over and over again
1. Less is best- I have heard this in many different venues.
2. Milton’s awesome “Optional Procedure” had worked many a miracle.
3. THE PURIST’S, “Only Relaxation procedures 1-2-3 and 2 others today”.
4. Patients saying, “I’d love to, but I just do not have time”.
5. Chair-side massage is accepted in many work-places.
6. A short – affordable session that is effective should be well received.
7. A nice short demonstration of Bowen would be good – no sheets, pillows, table.
So, I put together the knowns and came up with an idea. A 5 minute chair-side Bowen Session, which includes 2 minute rests. I call it, “Chair Side Re-Boot”. One of its’ main applications is in the workplace. But, it can also can be used as a demonstration / free initial session, a part of the appointment routine among the full body sequences, and walk-ins can also be accommodated with it.
PROCEDURE FOR A DIAGRAM SHOWING THE MOVES CONTACT ME AND I'LL SEND BY E-MAIL. [email protected]
Prerequisites: None
Client positioned comfortably on a massage chair, or table chair facing the back.
Part A.
1. Optional Procedure (sitting instead of standing).
2. BRP 1 A = BRM's
3. BRP 2 A = BRM's
4. BRP 3 A = BRM's
REST 1 – 2 minutes.
Part B.
1. BRP 1 B = BRM's
2. BRP 2 B = BRM's
3. BRP 3 B = BRM's
REST 1 – 2 minutes
Part C.
1. Optional - (Sitting instead of standing)
REST 1 - 2 Minutes before getting up.
Applications:
1. Demonstrations.
2. Trial Treatment.
3. Last minute work-in for emergency.
4. Tune-up.
5. Workplace sessions for occupational enhancement.
6. Client who is unable to lie on a table.
OPTIONAL PROCEDURE
Milton first taught me this procedure during one of our fireside chats circa 2000. Initially he taught it in his Basic Bowen course. However, he discovered that the students only practiced the one procedure because it worked so well, and neglected the rest of the lessons. So, he moved it to the Advanced section. He told me to, “Use this when your client is in so much pain that they can’t get up on the table. It will relax them so they can move a little better, and then they can get up on the table.” I filed this into my data bank and went about my business. On occasion, I found this procedure helpful for patients who were in acute spasms and could not climb up onto the table. It enabled them to be slightly more mobile, and it only took a minute or so to do.
K.C,, who was one of my long time, regular patients said, “Of my God. I met your guru, Uncle Milty. I went to his house with a friend and he cleared up my gallbladder problem. Just to think that I was going to have surgery for my gallbladder, and now I won’t!” I was happy for her and we talked a bit about Milton and Bowen during the rest of her podiatry visit that morning.
Milton passed in January of 2003. A few months before I left California and my podiatry practice, K.C. was in for her podiatry appointment. She lamented, “Oh, I sure wish our Uncle Milty was still here. My gallbladder problem has resurfaced and my doctor wants me to have surgery. I‘m having a second opinion tomorrow. I remember how Milton fixed my problem, and that was over 4 years ago.” I said, “I can give you a Bowen session.” She said, “That’s right, I forgot you do Bowen too. I’ll schedule an appointment after I get my second opinion.”
I overheard my nurse bringing K.C. into one of my Bowen rooms. She said, “This is your first Bowen with Dr. Mosher isn’t it? You need to take your shoes off and lay face down on the table with your feet on the pillow and your face in the face cradle.” K.C. replied, “Oh no. I don’t have to lie down for this. we can just do it standing up.” I was on to what she was referring to so, I quickly stepped in to save an argument. I said, “K.C. you mean to tell me that all Milton did for you that time you saw him was the standing procedure?” She replied, “That’s right. He did it right there in his living room and I was fine all those years.” So, I did the standing Optional Procedure for her, and she has been fine ever since. I talk to my former office staff now and then, and they keep me posted on patients I was fond of.
At massage school I performed this procedure on a number of classmates with equally good results.
Procedure: Have client stand facing you with their hands on your shoulders. Reach behind with both hands and place your fingertips just above the crest of the ilium over the middle of the erector spinae muscles. With your right hand push slack medially and hold pressure against the muscle for 3 seconds. As you increase the pressure straighten your fingertips so the muscle rolls out from under your fingertips. The move is made 30 degrees superiorly and laterally which completes move 1. Repeat with your left hand on the client's right side to complete move 2. Move your hands up the spine 2 inches and repeat the process for moves 3 & 4. Move up another 2 inches and repeat for moves 5 & 6. Add additional oblique moves until you reach the mid scapula region. If there is any tenderness along the way up have client take deep breaths between repeat moves. You may repeat the sequence 3 times if needed.
Reposition your hands so your middle fingers are resting on the coccyx hold point (sacral notch). Move slack inferior toward the coccyx with your right hand, and then make an oblique move 45 degrees superior and laterally over the reflex point to complete move 7. Repeat with your left hand on the right side to complete move 8. Have client breath in and out deeply and take a few steps. Repeat 7 & 8 if still tender.
This procedure is highly effective by itself as a warm-up, or if a client has difficulty lying prone on the table, do this procedure to loosen them up first. It may also be used if your client experiences any kidney / low back discomfort following a regular session. A great procedure to play around with at a party, and can stimulate some referrals from the partygoers. Also, if time and space doesn’t allow for a session at the time, this can be done in a hallway or waiting room in your office.
Combined with BRM’S and rests it’s very effective.
In closing, my holistic pharmacist friend has loads of experience with FM. His clients who discontinue sodas and drink Kangen 9.5 pH alkaline restructured water have about 80% relief. When he adds prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes it rises to about 90 to 95%. And combine these two with high dosages of pharmacy grade Co Q 10, it approaches 99%. He had no vested interest in telling me this information, so I believe it to be true.
Anyone interested in more information on Kangen Water, let me know and I’ll provide it.
For Information on food derived prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes supplements check out: www.corehealth.com
For Information on pharmacy grade supplements: [email protected].
He also believes that FM is mostly associated with chemicals, free radicals, and toxins.
I think so too. Since the condition has increased in its frequency since the 1980’s. Our exposure to chemicals in foods, beverages, personal care and cleaning products, and oil based pesticides has risen also. Consumption of poultry and meats provide us with doses of antibiotics continually. These upset our normal bacteria flora in the gut, so digestion becomes impaired. 70% of the immune system comes from the gut and the digestion issue compromises it. Poorly digested foods also becomes toxins.
Muscles are fatigued and lacking ATP, build up lactic acid, stay contracted. CoQ10 is needed for muscle function. That’s why patients develop muscle pains when taking statin drugs, as they deplete the CoQ10 levels.
FM is often associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Compromised immune system is associated with both FM and CFS.
Dr. Mosher, aka Mitchell
[email protected]
704-778-1740
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. CONTENT MAY BE ADDED DAILY. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:http://www.drmitchellmosher.com