QuestionThis is a case study of a 25 year old female with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She has a mental lethargy and is not able to concentrate. She also has joint pain and suffers from depression. What kind of massage would I be able to give her if any at all?
AnswerHi and thanks for your question,
Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS)(also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)) is a stressful condition where the sufferer is unable to do half the days work without being tired.
Even then rest will not cure the feeling of tiredness.
In your case study, she first has to be treated by a psychiatrist to consider medication for depression.
I'll have to ask you one question before I go any further. Have any exclusion blood tests been done to eliminate the possibility of other illnesses. In the case of CFS, blood test usually turn out to be normal. One important blood test for joint pain is (RA) rheumatoid arthritis.
Massage can be performed safely on these clients once the doctors have given the go ahead.
CFS is a condition where no tests exist to identify it.
Therapeutic massage can be performed safely on these clients. It can reduce stress related symptoms, improve circulation, and increase your overall sense of well-being.
Massage should be designed for the pace of the client.They might like it to be relaxing or invigorating. Take a look at my youtube video to see how invigorating massage is done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrgNXMXGedM
When speaking on CFS,there are loads of treatments that one can seek...most importantly nutritional supplements.
The University of Maryland has an interesting website with all treatment options available.
You may find it here
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/chronic-fatigue-000035.htm
Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Kind regards
Jeremy Lanfranco
