Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Massage Therapy as a Chronic Fatigue Treatment
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The fatigue is made worse by mental or physical activity.
Women are four times as likely to be diagnosed with this disorder than men, but doctors don't think that being a woman puts you more at risk of getting it. They suspect that men are less likely to seek medical help for the same symptoms.
Chronic fatigue symptoms are described as flu-like. They are very similar to the symptoms of fibromyalgia and many people believe it is the same condition. The symptoms can last for months or even years. Besides fatigue other symptoms include:
painful and swollen lymph nodes
sore throat
headaches
difficulty sleeping
painful and swollen joints
sore muscles
memory loss
inability to concentrate
Because there are other conditions that have similar symptoms, it's important to see a doctor to make sure you have CFS.
The cause of CFS is still unclear. It often occurs after a viral illness. It may be caused by a dysfunction in the immune system. Doctors also think that other problems could trigger the disorder such as:
low blood pressure
depression
anemia
low blood sugar
hormone irregularities
There's no set chronic fatigue treatment. Usually doctors try to help manage symptoms and wait for the condition to resolve itself.
Massage can ease the symptoms of CFS. It can help with joint and muscle soreness and with the depression that is often associated with the condition. Massage therapy also promotes circulation which is especially important for people with CFS who aren't moving around as much as they should. Massage also helps decrease anxiety and improve sleep patterns.
Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, CranioSacral therapy and Thai massage can all be helpful in managing the symptoms of CFS. Eating healthy foods and taking a multivitamin can also help.
