My Story
After a life-changing diagnosis, I regained joy and healing
with massage
In 1996, I was diagnosed with
fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is categorized as a type of
arthritis because it is a rheumatic condition that impairs the
joints and soft tissues of the body and causes widespread pain. At
the time of my diagnosis, I had been a licensed massage therapist
for six years and a massage instructor for three years. I knew that
receiving regular massage therapy could help me continue living an
active and healthy life, despite having this chronic condition.
One of the first lifestyle changes I had to make was accepting I
would no longer be able to practice intense physical activities.
This was a very sad process for me, which further exacerbated my
fibromyalgia symptoms. What got me through was massage therapy. It
calmed my pain and decreased my insomnia, which led to an
emotionally balanced perspective.
Today, my rheumatologist tells me I am the healthiest
fibromyalgia sufferer she has seen in her practice. And I attribute
that to receiving regular massage therapy for the past 15 years. I
can't imagine what my life would be like without it. I can tell you
I wouldn't be skiing, hiking, kayaking, doing yoga, working in the
yard, walking my dog, laughing and enjoying life. I can't run a
marathon, but I can walk up a beautiful mountain and watch the
sunset. Massage therapy has truly saved and changed my life.
-C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of
Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy