How Physical Therapy Can Relieve Your Fibromyalgia Pain
Most of us can deal with a little pain. We may have the occasional ache from overdoing it at the gym or a twinge from bumping our shins on the bed, but most of the time we can ignore it, take an anti-inflammatory and go about our day. But when pain is widespread throughout your body and is accompanied by fatigue, changes in mood and sleep patterns, you may be dealing with a more serious physiological condition. Sound familiar? If you are suffering from chronic pain that is accompanied by fatigue, changes in mood, or irregular sleep patterns, you may be dealing with a more serious physiological condition, such as fibromyalgia.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms. Typically, a person who is experiencing debilitating fatigue, tender areas of the body, changes in mood or muscle pain can be diagnosed with this condition. While it is unclear what causes fibromyalgia, some believe the pain is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body that activates the fight or flight response. Many people first experience symptoms after a physically or emotionally traumatic event. Others begin having pain after bouts of chronic stress or depression while some have symptoms that build over time. Fibromyalgia tends to affect women more than men and if you have a family member with the condition, you are more likely to experience it as well. The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Chronic and/or sharp muscle pains
- Fatigue
- Tender areas of the body
- Disrupted sleep cycles/irregular sleep schedules
- Fluctuations in mood
- Forgetfulness or disorientation
- Sensitivity to touch/numbness
- Nausea
How is Fibromyalgia treated?
Since it is not a disease but a cluster of symptoms, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia. Instead, medical practitioners focus on treating the symptoms with medication. Often, if the sympathetic nervous system can be regulated with medication, the pain subsides. Doctors typically prescribe a combination of pain medications, antidepressants or anti-seizure medications to achieve this type of regulation and relieve symptoms. However, none of the typical treatments address the loss of function widespread pain often brings.
The Physical Therapy Solution
Even though fibromyalgia cannot be cured, one of the most effective ways of managing your symptoms can be found in the physical therapist's office. Physical therapy can provide effective treatments for both managing symptoms in the long term and regaining optimum function. Treatments will typically begin with pain-relieving modalities to provide relief and promote healing. This may include the use of trigger point therapy, massage, stretching, electrical stimulation, or other therapeutic tools that our physical therapist believes could be beneficial to your recovery. After this, your treatments will shift toward active therapies, such as muscle strengthening, range-of-motion activities, and cardiovascular exercises. Studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise paired with postural strengthening activities not only relieves widespread pain, but also increase energy levels, improves sleep, and elevates mood.
Cardiovascular Exercise
One of the best ways to alleviate widespread pain is through low-impact movement. This may include walking on a treadmill, water aerobics, or other exercises aimed at improving blood flow, reducing stress and increasing cardiovascular fitness. Your physical therapist will prescribe an exercise program designed for your abilities.
Muscle Strengthening & Range of Motion
When you are in pain, your natural tendency is to guard the area, or limit its movement out of fear of causing pain. This limited range of motion can weaken important muscle structures that further limit your range of motion and increase your pain levels. This vicious cycle can only be broken by working to strengthen weakened muscles and returning the range of motion to the area you have been guarding. But, how do you do that when you are in pain?
Pain Relieving Modalities
A physical therapist has a host of tools in their belt aimed at relieving pain without medication. These may include the use of ice, heat, trigger point therapy, stretching, massage, electrical stimulation, or other therapeutic tools that can help limit your pain and retrain your body. Together with targeted exercise and a cardiovascular training program, it is possible to retrain your body to send and receive accurate signals without triggering widespread pain.
Regardless of where you are on your journey, it is possible to have relief from your worst symptoms through physical therapy services.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you or a loved one is living with Fibromyalgia, physical therapy provides a safe, effective and prescription drug-free healing option that is ideal for people of all ages. Don't let one more day pass where you are limited by your Fibromyalgia symptoms. Instead, call our offices today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how a tailored physical therapy program can help you start on the road to recovery!
