Fibromyalgia discussion with a few academics and clinic folks ... interesting.

@ Wolfe you expected a practitioner to perform magic … there is no magic in medicine.
The demonstration was of an unfortunate case the was beyond manual therapy and thus would have require more intensive therapy which included needles and addressing all the perpetuating factors like sleep, mineral deficiency, medication adverse reaction. I see these cases daily and they do respond miraculously. No magic needed.
@Wolfe you discount all the wealth of data Travell and Simons compiled which is an insult to the authors. Most text are compiled and written based on well vetted studies to make it easier to understand and teach.
@Quintin, how many cases would it take for you to believe the word of a patient. 20? 200? or 2000? Well I have a few thousand cases in my files, most I have helped with these techniques. I just hope you are not in a position to impose what you believe on others. That would be immoral and a disgrace to the oath you took to do no harm.
Taut bands in muscles and the all diagnostic criteria are for a “classic unit.” In clinical practice, all the academics, have to be put on the back burner as per Edward Rachlin, MD. A muscle full of trigger points will act very erratically so trying to elicit a twitch maybe a futile task. And the muscle could be 2-6 inches into the flesh. These infected muscle still requires therapy. Delay or neglect will subject the patient to more pain and suffering. Clues that a muscle is affected area density changes, tightness, loss of range of motion and surface sensitivity changes.
The best diagnostic and therapeutic tool to determine if a muscle is infected is a stainless steel needle wire. The thin filament type wire needle once it touches the erratic muscles will elicit a response in the patient. The only person who can tell you that information. The patient is the soul detector of this therapy and has to be a part of the diagnostic team. You have to trust their words! The other detector of MF diseased flesh is the practitioner. What the provider feels in their fingers are vital to a good outcome. Finally the post treatment exam cannot be neglected or discounted. The patient and the examiner has to note a better range of motion and less pain.
I know what you are thinking … I can’t use sophisticated equipment! I have to believe what the patient is saying! I can’t figure out a way to double blind this technique! The simple puny needle is the best diagnostic tool and best therapeutic tool all in one!
In a discussion of open minded scholars the goal should be on how to help the masses not disparaging the clinicians and practitioners. We and the suffering patients need your help not your skepticism.
To gain more insight into these procedure, read these text books … especially Gunn. He linked the myofascial therapy extremes from simple stretching, yoga, spray and stretch, hands-on manipulations, acupuncture, Gunn-IMS, dry needling to finally Travell trigger point injections.
>Intramuscular Stimulation using the techniques of C. Chan Gunn, MD.
>Trigger Point Injections using the techniques of Janet G, Travell, MD, David Simmons, MD and Edward Rachlin, MD.
>Ligament and tendon relaxation techniques of George Stuart Hackett, MD.
>CraigPENS as per William F Craig, M.D.
>Myofascial Release by Gokavi, Cynthia N. Gokavi, MBBS.
>The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition by Clair Davies, Amber Davies and David G. Simons (Aug 1, 2004)
>Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual (2nd Edition) by Devin J. Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland (Jun 30, 2001)
>Advanced Soft Tissue Techniques as per Leon Chaitow, ND, DO
>Medical Acupuncture as per French Energetic protocols of Joseph Helms, MD.

http://www.fmperplex.com/2013/02/14/travell-simons-and-cargo-cult-science/#comment-3497
http://www.fmperplex.com/2013/02/14/travell-simons-and-cargo-cult-science/#comment-3497

Therapy! Let's get started!!

Let get started!!

It’s vital that everyone realize that to have mind, body and spirit peace you have practice your own medicine and participate in your own therapy; daily, weekly, monthly … for the rest of your life.

What is Therapy?? Sleeping well, exercising, dancing, cycling, loving, singing, fishing, gardening, laughing, living, yoga, sports, reading, praying, massage, soaking in the tub, a visit to the spa, taking off a day from work (a mental health day) etc. Be your best friend and not your worse enemy.

If you do get behind in your therapy and get depleted, only YOU can stop the bleeding to catch up. This means spending more time on yourself. Once you get behind, in this crazy world you have to ASK or help … Friends, family, spouse, kids and boss. Don't be afraid!

Try not to believe folks who see you in therapy and say … “Oh you should not do this or that.” Therapy can not do any harm … none! You make get an injury but accidents happen, you’ll heal from a mishap. Strain your back in the garden … shucks, the treatment is therapy. Pull a muscle in dancing … shucks, the treatment is more therapy. Fall off your bike … ouch, the treatment is more therapy.

So what is the best medicine in medicine?? Therapy!

It always works! Most times safe (bikes and cars don't mix well), non-toxic (some will become addicted to their place of Spa)

What is the most important word in your vocabulary as it relates to Therapy?? NO!

The most important word to use in therapy is NO.  NO to and and all negativity, fear, bosses, PTA, neighbors, etc.There is a loving way to say NO and don't feel guilty for engaging in your wellness program. Some needy folks will say, “You are just being selfish” … not really … you are self preserving and self loving. Why give away energy you don't have or can afford?

What to Believe as it relates to you, your health, future, past, present life and wellbeing?

Actually none of it!! Don’t believe it!

Patients focus on a single diagnosis as it relates to pain, that was given to them a decade ago. Your body is in a constant state of healing and repair, so as time goes my so does the diagnosis. The beauty of Therapy is that you can modify your therapy based on what areas are of concern.

In therapy what is the worse emotion? Fear of the unknown.

Because pain and myofascial dysfunction will not kill you or even shorten your life, y