• Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Staff
    • My Running Story
    • Testimonials
    • Careers
  • What We Treat
    • Running Injuries
    • Sciatica, Back, & Neck Pain
    • Chronic Pain
    • Shoulder/Elbow Pain
    • Hip/Knee Pain
    • Ankle/Foot Pain
    • Balance/Vestibular
  • Specialities
    • Traditional Manual Therapy
    • Non-Traditional Manual Therapy
    • Running Services
    • Correct Toes
    • Kinesio Taping
    • OOV Services
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Free Guides
    • Events
    • Videos
    • Running Portal
  • Patient Info
    • Forms
    • FAQs
    • For Your Doctor
  • Contact Us
  • Reviews
    • Read Reviews
    • Rate Us!
  • COVID-19

The Manual Touch Physical Therapy

Whole Body Approach

Reclaim movement, function and life
For information, call: 847-541-7600
or email: info@themanualtouch.com
  • The Manual Touch Linkedin
  • The Manual Touch YouTube
  • The Manual Touch Twitter
  • The Manual Touch Facebook

Chronic Pain (a Central Nervous System Disease) and IMT

May 27, 2014 By Denise Schwartz 3 Comments

Chronic Pain: A Central Nervous System Disease

When I began dating my husband, I was amazed to find that he was unable to tolerate even a mild, deep tissue massage. Any deep pressure would create a 10/10 pain experience that would last up to 5-10 minutes after my hands came off him. My husband has Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and had fibromyalgia along with extensive joint pain. At the time I did a lot of deep tissue work that helped 90% of my patients, but I could not help him.

Fibromyalgia (Fibro) is often characterized by multiple tender points throughout the body along with other symptoms such as extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory difficulties, headaches, irritable bowel and mood problems.[1] A recent study, Fibromyalgia Brain Misreads Pleasure/Pain Signals, demonstrates fibro is a central nervous system (CNS) disease where the brain misreads pleasure/pain signals.[2] Other studies show a CNS issue known as central sensitization, which creates the hypersensitivity associated with the multiple tender points[3] and can also be associated with other types of chronic pain. [4] Additional studies have shown that daily aerobic and flexibility exercises are helpful in managing fibro symptoms.[5] A point made in all the studies is that people with fibro need to incorporate pain management strategies typically associated with cognitive behavioral therapies provided by a psychotherapist.[6]

As mentioned previously, chronic pain, defined as having pain longer than 3-6 months and without the multiple tender points of fibromyalgia, also has been found to have a CNS issue of hypersensitivity or central sensitization. If I treat the hypersensitive CNS and any other systems found to influence chronic pain issues, i.e. sciatic, back pain, joint pain, using gentle, non-traditional manual therapies such as Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), my patients see faster results, with less treatment reactions, and better outcomes. In addition, I work with patients to develop an individualized exercise program to promote the integration of all involved body systems and optimize normal body function.

IMT is a gentle, indirect manual therapy facilitating the whole body to heal physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually.  Tissue dysfunction or restrictions are found through manual diagnostics, by discerning between healthy and unhealthy motilities (rhythms) to find the source of the problem as well as treat the dysfunctional tissue. In other words, work with the restrictive tissues (tissues under tension due to dysfunction) by applying pressures in the direction of healthy tissue (tissue at ease—IMT therapy)

When I manually treat the dysfunctional CNS and other systems, i.e. GI, lymph, that maybe influencing the painful soft tissue, the patients report that the soft tissue has decreased pain. Upon re-evaluation the patient will have improved objective findings such as an increase in range of motion of nearby joints and improved balance, strength, posture, and gait.

Not until my husband was treated with IMT, did my husband’s fibro/joint symptoms turn around. With a lot of IMT, exercise, and a glutenfree diet,[7] my husband now has no joint pain, no daily fibromyalgia symptoms, and has very few UC flare-ups. In fact, I feel that by using IMT techniques I could help that remaining 10% of people that couldn’t be helped with more traditional manual therapies.

 

[1] FibromyalgiaA Clinical Review. Daniel J. Clauw, MD JAMA. 2014;311(15):1547-1555. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.3266.

 

[2]Fibromyalgia brain misreads pleasure/pain signals Arthritis Rheum. Published online November 5, 2013 Medscape Medical News

 

[3]Alonso-Blanco C, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Morales-Cabezas M, Zarco-Moreno P, Ge HY, Florez-Garcia M. Multiple active myofascial trigger points reproduce the overall spontaneous pain pattern in women with fibromyalgiz and are related to widespread mechanical hypersensitivity. Clin J Pain. Jun 2011;27(5):405-13

 

[4] Central Sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. PAIN Volume 152, Issue 3, supplement, pages S2-S15, March 2011

[5]Gowans SE, Dehueck A, Silaj A, et al. Siz-month and one-year followup of 23 weeks of aeorbic exercise for individuals with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;Dec 15;51(6):890-8.

 

[6]Bennett R, Nelson D. Cognitive beharioral therapy for fibromyalgia. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. Aug 2006;2(8):416-24.

 

[7]Clinical impact of a gluten-free diet on health-related quality of life in seven fibromyalgia syndrome patients with associated celiac disease. Luis Rodrigo, Ignacio Blanco, Julio Bobes and Frederick J de Serres BMC Gastroenterology 2013, 13:157

Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Health & Wellness, Integrative Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy Tagged With: chronic pain, fibromyalgia, hypersensitivity, Integrative Manual Therapy, manual therapy, physical therapy

Comments

  1. sallystone22 says

    May 29, 2014 at 7:40 am

    Great article and references, Denise.

    Reply
  2. Denise Schwartz says

    May 29, 2014 at 8:41 am

    thanks Sally

    Reply
  3. cialis says

    April 19, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward
    to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Health Tips

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required
I'm also interested in receiving:

Search Other Blogs

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Does Your Big Toe Have To Do With Painting?
  • Frogs: A Symbol of Transformation
  • Meet Our Social Media Manager, Rachel

Blog Post Topics

Testimonials

I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have strengthened my core and will prevent future injuries. Not only that, she provides personalized and attentive treatment the entire visit (much more personalized care than traditional PT centers). I highly recommend Denise!
Read More
I have had very significant scoliosis and osteoporosis for many years and I have gone to very “reputable’ physical therapists through the years, but never felt satisfied.  A few years ago, I went to my internist for a physical and mentioned I was having back pain.  He recommended that I start seeing Denise at The Manual Touch.  Due to my past experiences, I was skeptical regarding the success that I could have with another therapist.  From my first visit I could tell that Denise had a ve… Read more
Read More
The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return to playing basketball.
Read More
This is better than going to the doctor and taking medicine.
Read More
Three weeks prior to a major triathlon that was a year in training, I threw out my back. Having previously worked with Denise to correct hip related issues, I knew just what to do: text Denise! Denise responded to my message immediately and took the time – on her day off! – to call and counsel me on how to handle the situation that day. She gave me exercises and activities to manage the situation and we agreed to meet first thing the next morning. With three weeks of PT, I was able to travel to … Read more
Read More
In 6 visits Denise has taught and evaluated me properly on issues of walking, sitting, bending, reaching and shoulder placement in order to prevent further spinal damage, unlike the previous PT I went to.  She also gave me appropriate exercises which factored in my spinal issues. I started to have less chronic pain doing normal activities throughout my day.  Her attention to my individual spine and daily needs has changed the way I stand, walk, etc. I have begun an aerobic exercise progr… Read more
Read More
I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situation. I had 6 weeks of PT at another location but still was unable to turn my head fully or work at a desk without terrible pain.  After seeing Denise and following her exercise program, I was almost back to normal within a few short months.  I… Read more
Read More
Denise Schwartz at Manual Touch is a marvelous diagnostician and therapist. During the past few years, I’ve sought out Denise’s care for various physical limitations. I am continually amazed by her ability to determine my discomfort’s cause as well as by the effectiveness of the exercises she recommends to ease my pain. She also knows how to best manipulate my aching joints to bring relief. I can whole-heartedly recommend Denise because she is a skilled, proficient, compassionate professional. … Read more
Read More
Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went away! I really loved how she had an app I could use if I forgot the exercises we did. She was professional and you can tell she really cared about her clients. I Would definitely recommended going to her!”
Read More
I had constant neck pain from a car accident 2 years ago.  I went through PT somewhere else without any good results.  I then was recommended to come to The Manual Touch PT. At my first appointment I could tell that Denise was able to get right to the point of my problems.  After numerous therapy sessions I felt such a relief of my constant pain.  It is better now, I can sleep better and use less pain medication.  My goal is to avoid surgery and I feel hopeful that will be possible.
Read More

Our Mission


We believe all body systems and mental/emotional health are connected. We take a whole body approach to discover why patients are not healing and what were the initial causes of their current symptoms. 

Our mission is to use this whole body approach to help patients heal and overcome pain and limitations, resulting in improved quality of life. We also aim to promote wellness in our communities through ongoing education. 
Top 10 physical therapists in Wheeling

A winner of the
2015 Patients' Choice Awards
for
Wheeling Physical Therapist

Verified by Opencare.com

Testimonials

I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have… Read more
I have had very significant scoliosis and osteoporosis for many years and I have gone to very “reputable’ physical therapists through the years, but never felt satisfied.  A few years ago, I went to my internist for a physical and mentioned I wa… Read more
The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions.  The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return… Read more
This is better than going to the doctor and taking medicine.
Three weeks prior to a major triathlon that was a year in training, I threw out my back. Having previously worked with Denise to correct hip related issues, I knew just what to do: text Denise! Denise responded to my message immediately and took the … Read more
In 6 visits Denise has taught and evaluated me properly on issues of walking, sitting, bending, reaching and shoulder placement in order to prevent further spinal damage, unlike the previous PT I went to.  She also gave me appropriate exercises whic… Read more
I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situ… Read more
Denise Schwartz at Manual Touch is a marvelous diagnostician and therapist. During the past few years, I’ve sought out Denise’s care for various physical limitations. I am continually amazed by her ability to determine my discomfort’s cause as well a… Read more
Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went a… Read more
I had constant neck pain from a car accident 2 years ago.  I went through PT somewhere else without any good results.  I then was recommended to come to The Manual Touch PT. At my first appointment I could tell that Denise was able to get right … Read more
Read More

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

Copyright © 2021 The Manual Touch, LLC. · 325 n. milwaukee ave. · Ste D. · Wheeling, IL. 60090 · 847-541-7600

The information provided on The Manual Touch Physical Therapy website is for personal and noncommercial use only. The resources and content provided should be used for educational purposes only and not as a substitute for appropriate medical care. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort please seek medical attention.