Hello everyone been a while since I have been on here, but I thought I’d let you know something.
I recently went for a myofasial release massage and wow what a difference after one session.
At the beginning you get a 15-20 minute consultation to see what the main problem areas were and then the masseuse begins their work.
It’s different from your regular massage where normally a fair amount of pressure is put on the the parts of which us fibro sufferers are extremely sensitive too. Instead they tell you that the muscle needs almost melting away and instead of using fingertips, they use their full hands and arms. It is a little bit sore but you get a relaxing massage to help you recover from it. I felt feeling fantastic and my energy levels the next day were great too. I still have pain in my neck and back but I am going to go for a monthly treatment as its well worth the money.
I have had them too. Very helpful!! However, by me (chicago area) they are $75 and up per hour session + tip. I was not able to find someone to do this in any place other than a spa setting; therefore, insurance won't cover it. My solution which has been quite helpful was to find a Naprapath doctor. They help many patients with fibro and know all about the fascia release. Naprapaths focus on muscle, nerve, soft tissue and do release work. Both I found in my area took insurance and fortunately I had insurance plan that allows a certain number of naprapath sessions. As fibro sufferers we need multiple sessions before getting extensive relief and $75+ per session adds up fast. I suggest check with your insurance or medicare and see if you have coverage for a Naprapath; however, note that when I called blue cross after not finding one using their website for in network providers, they had trouble finding if I had coverage as if they weren't familiar with such a service. I finally found a Naprapath on my own and they told me they would verify my plan covered (in-network) with them. They verified, I had sessions, and my insurance covered the cost. Much more cost effective way for fascia release. Actually, found one closer to home and just started sessions again myself ; )
dear hope ~ do you mean a naturopathic physician or is this some other kind of health care provider? i get Feldenkrais from my PT which is also very soothing and covered by Medicare and my supplement. i am still in a flare and have not been able to drive the 18 miles i have to go to see him. tomorrow i am getting cortisone injections in my back for the spinal stenosis ans i have high hopes that this will help the whole flare.
i have found massage very painful afterwards, so everyone's body is different. i am so happy that the myofascial release was of help to you. whatever works!!
Just FYI, you can find YouTube videos from physical therapists showing how to do "some" of these. I do a lot of self-release now. Worked just this week on a joint in my hand, actually. My insurance won't cover, and I live so rurally I cannot find anyone doing this anyhow. So, MAYBE you could get lucky as I did and find some techniques to self-help. Just FYI....
A Naturopathic Doctor treats patients holistically vs. traditional MDs. A Naprapath does hands on soft tissue work that is more gentle than a massage and focuses on loosening the fascia tension that contributes to our firbro pain. It's more like hands on stretching with some pressure. Do a search online for the proper definition of both a Myofascial Release and a doctor of Naprapathy, knowing a naprapath is trained to do the release and went through 4 years college. A massage therapist can also get a certification in myofascial release techniques, but it is not a requirement to get their massage degree. Hope this helps : )
I have been getting myofasial release therapy for about a year and find it helps me a lot. I have to pay out of pocket so I only go once or twice a month. It costs me $50.00 for about 80 minutes. Not every massage therapist does this so make sure you check before scheduling a treatment. It honestly does hurt but it is not unbearable and I feel much better for about a week or so. I am lucky that I can afford it, I wish everyone could :(