I've had MPS for at least 2 years now. I wonder how similar it is to Fibromyalgia? One of my docs told me it's a "cousin" to Fibro.

I've been on Atkins for about 7 weeks. I still have the pain and all but I do feel abit better. Definitely not worse, anyway!

I'd love to hear from anyone else with chronic pain and their experiences with Atkins.

OhMissy: Hi! I've just found out that I have myofascial syndrome. What is your experience of it like? What kind of treatments have you tried. I don't really know anything about it, other than I have it Anything you can tell me would be really helpful

Hi Silverbird! I'm so glad that someone finally replied!

I'm sorry you have MPS. There's alot of information out there in the internet, you just gotta find it!

For me, I have triggerpoints from my head down my neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, down to my bottom. On the front of me, they go down my jaws, neck, and down to just above my breasts.

Heck, if I move my head in a certain way or if certain spots on my head are touched, I get an automatic headache.

As for treatment, there are different treatments available. I see someone who hooks me up to a biofeedback machine and puts leads in different spots on me. Then we can watch the screen and see which muscles are overworking or not working in tandem with others.

Then the person uses an instrument that looks like a wooden ball - it's very smooth except it has a knobby thing that sticks out. She uses the knobby part and presses it into my muscles. OMG, it hurts! But when she stops, sometimes the muscle releases. What a relief. And we can actually see the muscle release on the screen.

The biofeedback program isn't perfect because if the messed-up muscles are too deep then it won't pick it up as well. But it does help when the muscles affected are close to the skin surface.

That's just one of the treatments used. It really helps but, unfortunately, for me the muscles bunch up again too soon.

I see a pain management doctor too and he has been a godsend.

How has MPS affected you? Are you getting treatment?

Good luck!

Hi dee,
I f you are ever in Vancouver you should make a point of seeing "our" physiotherapist (aka The White Witch). She uses a technique that targets the fascia in such a gentle and unigue way, that it is hard to describe. You just sit there and she places an hand here and there and gets you to gently bend in a few directions, and that is it. But the effect is something that is quite beyond belief. I know that this doesn't help you where you are, but it is one more reason to visit Vancouver!

Colin

Hi, thanks for replying. My MPS is very painful. You can press on any part of my body and I will feel pain like a deep deep bruise. My muscles knot spontaneously -my abs, my shoulders, back, and arms. I get some muscle twitches, and contractions in my fingers. My hands are really bad in that I cannot open them out to receive change at the store. I saw a specialist, and right now there are no programs in my area that will work with me on this. I am on a pension, so I can't pay a physiotherapist. I'm on my own. Well, except that I am so lucky that my BF is a massage therapist and he is trying to learn as much as he can about this. The Books by Dr. Starlanyl are all we got!!!

Oh, I should mention that I have severe arthritis in my neck, and the muscles around that are pretty darn bad too. (sigh). Thanks for asking...I wish I could find some help.

Deb

Hi Deb,
I tried to send you info through a PM, but the system said that your message box is full. You might try deleting some....don't forget to check the box beside the "delete" button.

I was thinking that perhaps your BF could talk to Irene. She targets the faschia, but in a way that is very gentle and intuitive. Very different from most of the RMT techniques. Also she is different from most therapists, in that it usually only takes one or two visits to clear up or stabilize a problem. I had to practically sell off the furniture when I went to other people!!!

Colin

Colinjn: Weird, when I go to my mail, it says I have 0 messages. Must be a glitch somewhere. How can I find "Laura"? I live in Vancouver too.

Thanks ,
Deb

Hi Deb,
Here is the info on Irene:

Irene Klagg M.Sc., RMT, MCPA
270-2184 West Broadway
Vancouver BC V6K 2E1
Phn: (604) 738-4131

She usually charges around $40/visit (cash). And since she is a Licenced Physiotherapist you can claim her under any extended medical plan, or use the reciept as a tax deduction.

WE have had close to a 90% positive response rate from those we have recommended to go see her. The ones who were disappointed were ones who desired a more intense experience. Sometimes when you are in pain you want someone to hammer it away, other times you can barely take the weight of your clothes.

Also she does not see acute injuries. Her belief is that the body needs a bit of time to settle down and get over the trauma before itis ready to heal.

I hope this helps,

Colin

Thanks a bunch Colin. I have it all safely copied down. Now I just have to put aside the bucks. My whole income is only $780 per month, so I'll really have to budget for this. Luckily I live in a great place with 2 roomies so my rent isn't so bad. I'll see her as soon as I can.

Peace,
Deb