May 12 is National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

Fibromyalgia—a musculoskeletal syndrome characterized by widespread pain, tender points, incapacitating fatigue, anxiety, depression, migraines/chronic headaches, fibro fog (inability to concentrate/focus) and myriad other seemingly disconnected symptoms—affects more than 12 million Americans.

On May 12th of each year, National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day events extend throughout the world and through the month of May in an effort to raise awareness and funds to help further support those with fibromyalgia and/or other chronic pain illnesses. Click here to find a Fibromyalgia Awareness Day event near you.

This year’s theme is “Your Voice Matters.” From the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association website, “Your voice is the key to making changes for those with fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions. By using your voice you can help the NFMCPA transform lives through visionary support, advocacy, research and education of fibromyalgia and chronic pain illnesses.”

For more information on Fibromyalgia, visit the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association website here and read Dr. Jerrilyn Cambron’s article in the March/April 2015 issue of Massage & Bodywork, “Massage Therapy Eases Fibromyalgia.”

News

Alaska Massage Board Remains Independent and Autonomous

Executive Order No. 129 sought to dissolve the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists and transfer its functions to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED). The executive order was successfully overturned.

Gainful Employment Rules Compliance Updates

Over the past two weeks, the US Department of Education issued updates to the new “Gainful Employment” (GE) regulations for vocational programs published last fall. This web post addresses the updates to prepare school owners and educators ahead of the July 1, 2024, new GE rule effective date.

New Study Reconfirms the Benefits of Touch

A recent study found that touch interventions were effective in helping regulate cortisol levels, reducing feelings of depression in adults, and having other significant benefits.

Blog

Faces of Bodywork: Adriane Maxwell

Massage therapist Adriane Maxwell stands in front of a palm tree.

Adriane Maxwell is the owner of One Healing Touch Reiki & Massage for Women in Charleston, South Carolina. Maxwell was featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine in “Faces of Bodywork.”

Benefits

Podcast: Cancer, Clots, and COVID—A Complicated Client

A client was recently treated for colon cancer—and it didn’t go well. She had surgical complications, a bout of sepsis, and more. Is massage therapy safe? We discuss on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner.

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