I first posted this TMS summary in 2005, as an attempt to convey the essence of TMS to someone who was unfamiliar with it, on one page. I'm posting it again with minor updates for those who didn't see it the first time around. I hope you find it useful.
Tension Myositis Syndrome Summary
1. Most chronic back, neck, and limb pain is emotionally caused TMS.
The longer the pain has gone on, the more likely it is emotional.
2. There is a profile of personality types who tend to get TMS.
These people are responsible, conscientious, hard-working, somewhat
perfectionistic, self-critical, and tend to put others' needs first.
They tend to have a reservoir of repressed anger from their childhood.
3. There's a 90% cure rate for those that can accept the TMS diagnosis.
4. TMS does not want to be discovered. It disguises itself as physical pain.
It's purpose is to distract you from unpleasant painful emotions.
And to keep such unresolved painful emotions repressed.
5. TMS does not go away by itself. It can last for twenty years or more.
It can distort your thoughts and feelings, keeping you in negativity.
6. It will continue, until it is accepted and exposed for what it is.
Therefore, acquiring insight into this disorder is very important.
It is a mindbody disorder that uses the autonomic nervous system.
It restricts the blood flow to the area causing pain through ischemia.
7. Physical therapies can bring blood to the area giving temporary relief.
But this relief is only temporary, and only postpones real healing.
Therefore, all physical therapies must be discontinued.
8. Belief that the pain is emotional is the crucial first step to healing.
Therefore, belief that the pain is physical must be repudiated.
9. TMS is deceptive, and it will feed on your doubts about this.
It will move around, to make you believe there's a new physical injury.
10. "One has to confront TMS, fight it, or the symptons will continue." p. 81.
11. Strong "fear of reinjury" is a symptom of TMS, to maintain its control.
There is really nothing to fear because TMS is physically benign.
"Losing one's fear and resuming normal physical activity is possibly the
most important part of the therapeutic process." p. 81.
12. TMS may fight back, causing more pain when you first confront it.
You must overcome the doubt that TMS tries to instill in you.
13. It will take some time to reprogram your unconscious mind.
So you must be patient, and steadfast in your resolve.
You must switch your focus from the physical to the emotional.
14. Set yourself short and long term goals for improvement.
You need to overcome the conditioning the pain has created.
Gradually resume all your normal and energetic physical activity.
Reward yourself when you achieve your goals, and keep a record.
Ralph
|
A TMS Summary
Posted - 08/21/2007 : 12:39:00
