Fibromyalgia management: Physical therapy can help

Fibromyalgia is only one of the health conditions which can be properly managed with physical therapy. The experts in the field of physical therapy will show the patients how they can use self-management skills in order to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The symptoms which are seen most often in case of this condition are stiffness and pain. Both of these symptoms occur during the normal everyday activities and that is why learning certain self-management skills can be of great help.

Fibromyalgia Complication

In order to complete even the simplest daily activities, a proper range of motion is needed. Fibromyalgia affects not only the range of motion but the strength of a person. Certain methods shown by the physical therapist will not only relieve the symptoms of this condition but also enhance the strength of the patient and better the range of motion. Deep muscle pain is one of the inconveniences experienced due to fibromyalgia and the physical therapist can show a person how to ease that pain. In addition to this, the patient will also learn how to avoid suffering from flare-ups which can cause a lot of pain.

It is often seen that the patient is afraid to begin with the exercise program due to the fact that he or she is scared not to make the symptoms of fibromyalgia worse. However, the physical therapist can make such a program that is appropriate for the patient and there will be almost no pain felt.

Physical therapy is not the only way to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS is one of the ways to achieve that. TENS works by stimulating the nerve fibers which leads to lessening of pain. This stimulation also releases the pain-killing chemicals located in the body, enhances circulation and contracts the muscles for healing and relaxation as well.

Massage is another good way to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Physical therapist will advise patients to combine massage with stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises. Certain lifestyle changes can make a difference as well.

Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia

The goal of every physical therapy is to treat, heal and prevent all injuries and disabilities.

When fibromyalgia is considered, proper posture is of great significance as it will allow the muscles to function properly and effectively. The physical therapist will help the patient with proper posture. If it is done as it should, the patient should no longer suffer from fatigue and pain. Muscle flexibility is improved with specific stretching exercises and the physical therapist will show the patient how to perform them. Muscle tension is best reduced with proper relaxation exercises.

The cure for fibromyalgia has still not been discovered and that is why the treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms of the condition. Exercise is not the only method used in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. There are a lot more methods like deep tissue massage and ice and heat packs for hydrotherapy. Almost all of the methods the patient can do on his or her own but it is better if he or she works with a physical therapist. The main reasons why that is so, are because the trained specialist will be able to come up with a specific treatment program for fibromyalgia and keep an eye on the progress of the patient. If the patient is not doing any of the exercises properly the physical therapist will be able to help him or her do them right.

Hydrotherapy is one of the treatment methods for fibromyalgia which is often used. The goal of this therapy is to stimulate the body’s own healing force using moist heat or cold packs. Thanks to the cold compresses, the swelling is reduced due to constriction of blood vessels. On the other hand, heat compresses are good because they dilate blood vessels, which ease the pain. Hydrotherapy also betters the flow of blood and oxygen which gets rid of toxins more efficiently.

Apart from the heat packs a person can also use a moist heating pad, a warm and damp towel or a hydro collator pack. Simply standing or sitting in the shower and using warm water to hit the areas which cause pain can ease the pain as well.

A lot of therapists advise patients to use moist heat for a couple of minutes right before performing stretching or aerobic exercises. Moist heat can also be used after doing these exercises. The therapists advise using hydrotherapy two times per day for no longer than quarter of an hour.

Aqua therapy in form of swimming and various other water exercises is another possible treatment option for fibromyalgia patients. Water does not only reduce the stress on muscles and joints but it betters their flexibility as well. The experts agree that these exercises should be done in a heated pool in order for the best possible benefits to be gained.