Definition of the week : Fibromyalgia

1. fi·bro·my·al·gia  

   /ˌfībrōmīˈalj(ē)ə/
   

   Noun A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

   
   
   
   
   Fibromyalgia is a neurosensory disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue. The condition is chronic (ongoing), but pain comes and goes and moves about the body. The disorder is often misdiagnosed or unrecognized and is and often complicated by mood and anxiety disorders.
2. 
   
3. 
   
   

   Diagnosis

   
   There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnosis fibromyalgia. Diagnosis is difficult and frequently missed because symptoms are vague and generalized. Tests will be done to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms before a diagnosis is made. Coexisting disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Lyme disease may further complicate the diagnostic process.
   In 1990, the America College of Rheumatology developed standards for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. According to these standards, a person can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 sites known as trigger points. Trigger point sites include the base of the neck, along the backbone, in front of the hip and elbow, and at the rear of the knee and shoulder. These standards have been criticized by some physicians as being too narrow for use in clinical practice. As of 2009, standards for diagnosis were under review.
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Alternative treatment

   
   Frustrated with the inability of conventional medicine to cure their pain, as many as 80% of individuals with fibromyalgia turn to alternative and complementary treatments to supplement conventional treatment. Common complementary therapies for fibromyalgia include:
   
   
   

   • acupuncture
   
   
   • biofeedback
   
   
   • chiropractic care
   
   
   • hypnosis
   
   
   • magnesium supplements
   
   
   • magnet therapy
   
   
   • massage therapy
   
   
   • s-adenosyl-L-methionine supplements

Definition of the week: Qi

qi   noun "

CHē" or "chee"

What is Qi?

QI is the energy whose properties are the basis and fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Qi flows through the body, it is all around us, and is believed to be two portions. Energy and changes in environment, and also physiological components of anatomy.

"Qi was initially termed as the best definition for the understanding of the natural phenomena." [1] Over 3,000 years ago, the alternative therapy described as acupuncture developed in China.  Acupuncture therapy is used to to stabilize and stimulate the body's Qi and immune systems to result in a permanent healing.  Qi is the vital energy or power that animated and supports the functions of the body. "In TCM, Qi has more meanings, Qi can move in the meridians, and can also combine with blood to support the energy to the internal organs." [2]

Ancient theory is that Qi flows through specific pathways, calls meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. The acupuncture meridian system is an interface of energetic exchange  between our physical body and the energy fields which surround us.

Acupuncture points have unique electrical characteristics which distinguish them from surrounding skin, and also mediated by a primary, subtle energetic system that influences the networks of physical nerves.  Stimulation of acupuncture points produce changes in the nervous system (ie. endorphin release and relieve pain) because the meridians indirectly influence nerve pathway in the body.  This treatment replaces pain and fatigue with revitalizing energy and relief of stress and tension.  As the Qi is 're-engerized' by the needles, the movement throughout the body is significant in the corresponding body systems (ie. liver, kidney, heart, lung. etc.) to produce outstanding results.

Because Qi is an energy, it may be affected by numerous factors.  Everything must be in balance for optimal performance and wellness.  Factors such as environmental, physiological and psychological can impede on one's energy and one's self balance.  When disease occurs, it is a signal that we are constricting the natural flow of life energy throughout our multidimensional bodies.  Once we have learned the real reasons for feeling ill, we must begin to make changes that will result in a healing on many simultaneous levels.

Traditional Chinese Medicine theories and treatments go far beyond treating symptoms and signs, treating the body as a whole and unique organism.  Acupuncture can greatly enhance our health and achieve better levels of wellness and integration and balance of the interlocking elements of the body, mind, and spirit.

References:

ACU HEALING [1]

YING YAN HOUSE [2]

Definition of the week: Fascia

fas·ci·a  noun  

ˈfaSH(ē)ə

Fascia is a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds, separates, and/or binds together muscles, organs, blood vessels, nerves and other soft structures of the body.  It is the soft tissue components of the connective tissue the provide support and protection.

You may here your therapists use the term myofascia work or myofacial release.  The therapist may be referring to a soft tissue manipulation, or trigger point therapy.  Approaches may range from passive or active release therapy (ART), Graston therapy, stripping, foam rolling, or other tools and techniques may be applied both directly and indirectly

Fasciitis is a term most commonly associated with fascia.  Fasciitis is the inflammation of the fascia, connective tissue. This inflammation can be very painful.  Many patients prefer to have deep tissue work to directly  release the tension in the fascia.  A therapist may use tools to help stretch the adhesive tissues to mobilize them.  Our therapists will use their hands, knuckles and elbows to stretch the inflamed tissues with a pressure that is comfortable for you.

An indirect approach will be used for patient's that cannot handle or do not like deep pressure.  This approach would include ART, and gentle stretching to help mobilize the fascia.  The release may affect the muscles surrounding it, causing a sense of relief for the patient, sometimes allowing a deeper massage for the latter treatment.

"Like ligaments, aponeuroses, and tendons, fasciae are dense regular connective tissues, containing closely packed bundles of collagen fibers oriented in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction of pull. Fasciae are consequently flexible structures able to resist great unidirectional tension forces until the wavy pattern of fibers has been straightened out by the pulling force. These collagen fibers are produced by the fibroblasts located within the fascia.

Fasciae are similar to ligaments and tendons as they are all made of collagen except that ligaments join one bone to another bone, tendons join muscle to bone and fasciae surround muscles or other structures."

-Wikipedia

FASCIAL MOBILIZATIONThe fascial system is one continuous, laminated, connective-tissue sheath that spreads without interruption throughout the entire body in a three-dimensional web. Fascial mobilization allows therapists to locate and address restrictions in the fascial system that are causing asymmetries, postural malalignment, abnormal tensions, and pressures that can lead to pain and dysfunction. The goal of fascial mobilization is to produce a well-balanced, symmetrical, and mobile body within the skeletal, soft-tissue, and craniosacral systems.


References:
http://www.massagetherapy.com/glossary/

Friendly Reminder--Office Policies

As we approach the summer season, we understand that life gets busy.  Please take us into consideration when planning your vacation and seasonal holidays.

If you have any appointments booked that you may need to cancel or reschedule, please give us ample notice.  24 hours noticed is required for all cancellations and rescheduled appointments.  Your appointment time has been reserved for you.  Any late cancellations or missed appointments will result in a fee.

Late cancellations will be charged 50% of the appointment fee.  If notice is less than 1 hour before your scheduled appointment time, you will be charged the full rate.  All missed appointments will be charged the full appointment fee.

Unfortunately, due to increased missed appointments and last minute cancellations, our policy will be strictly enforced.  However, do not hesitate to speak with reception or your therapist if you have any concerns.

Our clinic is booking well in advance and if you cannot make it to your appointment, there are a large number or client's on our cancellation list that would love amply notice for booking.


We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.  Thank you for respecting our policy!

-New Leaf Wellness Staff