Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) treatments

If you suffer from chronic pain, stiffness, or fatigue, you may be interested in learning more about Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) and its treatment methods.

Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) is a condition caused by emotional or psychological stress. Dr. John Sarno, a renowned physician, pioneered a unique approach to treating Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) that has helped many people overcome their symptoms and find lasting relief.

Dr. Sarno believed that Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) was not caused by physical abnormalities in the body but rather by a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to a particular area of the body. The degree of oxygen deprivation is quite minimal, but enough to produce pain.

This pain is produced to protect you from negative emotions your mind considers threatening and dangerous, like anger, fear, and resentment.

Dr. Sarno’s treatment methods focus on addressing the psychological factors that contribute to Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms.

Education and understanding

Dr. Sarno’s treatment approach begins with educating people about the mind-body connection and the role that emotions play in physical symptoms.

He believed that understanding the psychological factors that contribute to Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms was the first step toward healing. By understanding the mind-body connection, people can begin to see their symptoms in a new light and develop a more positive attitude toward their healing process.

Dr. Sarno’s approach of educating people about the mind-body connection and the role of emotions in physical symptoms is supported by research. Studies have shown that stress and emotions can contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions like Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS).

A study published in the “Journal of Pain” found that stress was a significant predictor of the severity and duration of chronic pain. Another study published in the “Journal of Psychosomatic Research” found that emotional suppression was associated with higher levels of pain in people with chronic pain conditions.

A study published in the “Journal of Behavioral Medicine” found people who learned about the mind-body connection were more likely to experience improvements in their pain levels compared to those who did not.

A study published in the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” found people who are more accepting of negative emotions experience less pain and are better able to manage their pain.

By developing a more positive attitude towards emotions and accepting them, people with Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) can improve their ability to manage their symptoms.

Writing therapy

Dr. Sarno believed writing therapy was an essential part of the healing process.

Writing therapy involves structured writing about emotions and experiences and can help people identify and release repressed emotions.

Dr. Sarno encouraged people to write about their emotions and to identify any patterns or themes that emerged. By doing so, people could gain insight into their emotional state and begin to release the emotional energy that was contributing to their Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms.

A study published in the “Journal of Behavioral Medicine” in 2010 found writing therapy led to significant reductions in pain severity and disability in people with chronic back pain. Another study published in the “Annals of Behavioral Medicine” found writing therapy improved pain-related outcomes in people with fibromyalgia.

Researchers believe writing therapy works by helping people process and release repressed emotions. By putting their thoughts and emotions into words on paper or screens, people can gain insight into their emotional state and develop a more positive attitude towards their individual healing process.

Writing therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms by helping individuals process and release repressed emotions.

A study published in the “Journal of Pain” found writing therapy led to significant improvements in pain severity and disability in people with chronic pain conditions.

Mind-body techniques

Dr. Sarno advocated for the use of mind-body techniques such as meditation,  yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

These techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can cause muscle tension and pain. By practicing these techniques regularly, people can develop a greater awareness of their emotional state and learn to manage stress more effectively.

Mind-body techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and managing chronic pain conditions.

Studies have shown these techniques can lead to improvements in pain severity, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the “Journal of Pain” found mindfulness meditation led to significant improvements in pain severity and quality of life in people with chronic pain.

A study published in the “Journal of Psychosomatic Research” in 2010 found mind-body techniques can lead to changes in the brain that are associated with pain relief. The study found meditation led to changes in brain activity in areas involved in pain perception, suggesting that meditation can alter the brain’s response to pain.

Another study published in the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” found yoga was effective in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

By practicing these techniques regularly, people can develop a greater awareness of their emotional state and learn to manage their Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms more effectively.

Physical therapy

Dr. Sarno believed physical therapy could be useful for managing Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms, but he cautioned against over-reliance on physical treatments.

He believed physical therapy should be used in conjunction with psychological treatments to address the underlying emotional factors contributing to Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms and chronic pain.

Physical therapy can involve exercises, stretches, and manual techniques that can help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility.

A study published in the “Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy” found a combination of manual therapy and exercise was effective in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

A study published in the journal “Pain” found physical therapy can lead to changes in the brain associated with pain relief. The study found that physical therapy led to changes in brain activity in areas involved in pain perception, suggesting that physical therapy can alter the brain’s response to pain.

It is important to note that physical therapy should not be the sole treatment method for Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), as emotional factors can play a significant role in the development of symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Dr. Sarno believed this therapy could be an effective treatment for Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) as it helps people identify and challenge negative beliefs about their pain and develop coping strategies to manage pain and stress.

By changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, individuals can reduce their emotional stress, which can lead to a reduction in physical symptoms.

Studies have shown Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective in reducing pain severity and improving physical functioning in people with chronic pain conditions.

A study published in the “Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology” in 2016 found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was effective in reducing pain severity and disability in people with fibromyalgia.

Researchers believe Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by helping people identify and challenge negative beliefs about their pain and develop coping strategies to manage pain and stress.

By changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, people can reduce their emotional stress, which can lead to a reduction in physical symptoms.

Medication

Dr. Sarno was cautious about the use of medication to treat Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms.

He believed medication should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and not as a sole treatment method. Medications can have negative side effects and can be addictive, so it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate medication and dosage.

There are different types of medications that can be used to manage Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and opioids. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation

A study published in the “Pain” in 2014 found the placebo effect can play a significant role in the effectiveness of medication for chronic pain. The study found that people who were given a placebo pill they believed was a pain medication experienced significant reductions in pain compared to those who did not receive a placebo pill. This suggests the belief in the effectiveness of medication can play a significant role in managing pain symptoms.

It is also important to note that some medications, like opioids, can actually make Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) symptoms worse over time by causing hyperalgesia, which is an increased sensitivity to pain.

A study published in the journal “Pain Medicine” in 2016 found people who were prescribed opioids for chronic pain were more likely to experience hyperalgesia and other negative side effects compared to those who did not receive opioids.

Dr. John Sarno’s approach to treating Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) emphasizes addressing the emotional components that may be associated with physical symptoms.

A comprehensive treatment regimen should include education, writing therapy, mind-body practices, physical therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Such a holistic plan can help to eliminate pain and significantly improve quality of life and relieve the reliance on medication and other forms of more invasive treatments.