Posts from — June 2009

Hi Fibro and CFS Friends,

Dr. Mike is back with an outstanding article explaining the use of Cold Therapy Treatment for Fibromyalgia trigger points!  Thank you Dr. Mike!  We sincerely appreciate your Fibromyalgia articles. You certainly are a caring leading edge physcian!

Fibro Tender Points and Cold Laser Therapy

As a fibromyalgia sufferer, you know how painful fibromyalgia tender points can be.  As a treating fibromyalgia physician, I can tell you that administering to fibromyalgia tender points can be quite challenging.  In my private practice, one of the most successful “weapons” for treating fibromyalgia tender points in some FMS sufferers is what is called; cold laser therapy or low light laser therapy (LLLT).  This type of therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation in the tender points and the surrounding area.

Low light laser therapy (specifically the one I use) is non-thermal.  Non-thermal means it does not produce heat (thus the name, cold laser).  The light penetrates through the skin into the tender point tissue.  This penetration of the light helps speed up cellular repair by increasing the lymphatic and vascular systems.  By increasing the vascular system, more blood is brought to the area, which promotes more oxygen to the area and more nutrients to nourish the muscles.  Often times, this leads to a reduction in pain.

When the laser (which looks like a small flashlight) is applied, the patient typically feels nothing, making this type of therapy very comfortable.  This type of treatment does not help in every situation but a high percentage of fibro sufferers get at least some relief.  Seeing that cold laser therapy or LLLT is non-invasive and comfortable over the tender points, it is definitely worth trying. 

Dr. Mike Swierczynski, DC, MS

Readers: Please ask your questions and/or add suggestions regarding this treatment in the comments section of this blog. 

Greetings Fibromyalgia/CFS Friends,

Thank goodness summer is here! 

For Fibromyalgia/CFS sufferer’s it could be a blessing or a curse.  I do realize summer is not a Fibro or CFS’s  best friend.  Follow a few easy tips and help your daily quality of life improve:

- Turn on your air conditioner when the humidity arrives.  It will entail a higher electric bill but also heighten your good spirits!  Feel better and don’t feel guilty. You are important!

- Slide into a slightly warm pool or bathtub.  If the water is to cool it may likely exasperate burning and itching. If it is to warm the same is true. 

- If your daily activity will involve being outdoors for a few hours bring along a

thermos filled with ice chips.  Your improved heat tolerance will be worth it!

- Water is the best beverage you can drink and pour over your burning throbbing feet if you will be spending time outdoors during the day OR evening.

 - If you have delicate eyes that are extra sensitive to light like I do, Sunglasses are a must for Fibromyalgia and CFS sufferers.  Make sure they block the UVA rays. This applies to prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Cheap sunglasses may cost you less. But you will pay much more with your discomfort and pain.

I hope these tips will start your summer off  with a higher daily quality of life.

Your Fibro Friend,

Cheryl