Health & Wellness Newsletter
Physiotherapy Guide to Fibromyalgia
Have you recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia? Are you noticing pain and achiness in different parts of your body? If so, you may want to rely on a treatment plan. Many patients who are dealing with chronic pain related to fibromyalgia aren’t aware that it can be treated with physiotherapy.
It can be challenging to live with fibromyalgia. Your pain, fatigue, mental fog, and other symptoms can get in the way of physical activity, work, and even daily tasks. Fortunately, our therapists at Ability Physiotherapy can provide healing solutions to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
If you’ve been faced with fibromyalgia symptoms, contact our clinic today!
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by extensive musculoskeletal pain often accompanied by fatigue, sleep, and memory issues. It is believed that fibromyalgia causes painful sensations by affecting how your brain and spinal cord process pain signals.
In many cases, fibromyalgia symptoms appear after a physical event, such as surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. However, symptoms may also gradually accumulate over time without a triggering event. In addition, women more commonly develop fibromyalgia than men.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread pain. Most patients with fibromyalgia describe a constant dull ache that has persisted for at least three months. Widespread pain occurs on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
- Fatigue. The body can get exhausted by fibromyalgia symptoms, and many patients struggle to stay awake and energized, even after sufficient sleep. Sleep is easily disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia develop other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia.
- Cognitive difficulties. Fibromyalgia can make it difficult to focus, pay attention to tasks, and concentrate (mental fog) on things that would normally be simple.
Other symptoms include:
- Depression and anxiety.
- Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration.
- Headaches, including migraines.
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and painful bladder syndrome.
Why do People Get Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia has some known causes and risk factors, including:
- Sex. Anyone can be affected by fibromyalgia, even children. However, it’s far more common in women than in men.
- Traumatic events. Patients who have experienced a stressful or traumatic event, such as a car accident or sudden injury, are at risk for fibromyalgia.
- Repetitive injuries. Overuse injuries that have caused stress on a joint can cause fibromyalgia to develop.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Family history, obesity, lupus, and arthritis have also all been shown to be risk factors.
During your first consultation at Ability Physiotherapy, our therapists will assess your medical history and contributing health factors to determine the root of your pain.
How Can a Physiotherapist Help?
Many people fear that exercises included in physical therapy will worsen their pain. However, our therapists at Ability Physiotherapy provide treatment plans that can reduce symptoms with consideration of your comfortability and pain level. By using education, aerobic exercise, and strengthening exercises, we can work to improve fibromyalgia.
Treatments & What to Expect
During rehabilitation, your physiotherapist will teach you how to identify pain signals and manage symptoms in your daily life. Your first appointment at Ability Physiotherapy will consist of a comprehensive analysis in which your therapist will assess your medical history, current symptoms, and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your condition.
In addition to exercise, our physiotherapists use a wide range of healing techniques. These include modalities such as ice and heat packs and stretching for flexibility. In addition, your therapist will document your progress and provide at-home exercises that will help accelerate your recovery.
Find Relief at Ability Physiotherapy Today
If you’ve been experiencing fibromyalgia, you know how frustrating symptoms can be. Thankfully, our specialists can improve your pain, restore functions, and help you return to the activities that you enjoy.
Ready to start your healing journey? Contact our team at Ability Physiotherapy today!
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Disha Patel thank you so much for helping me recover from my neck and shoulder pain. You’re very talented and kind. Thanks to you and also to the front desk staff for greeting me with smiles on every visit. Keep up the good work. I highly recommend Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness to my friends and family.”
-D.I.
Exercise of the Month
Double Knees to Chest
Start on your back with your knees bent. Slowly bring both knees to your chest. Grasp your knees. Hold for 30 seconds.
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Watermelon Cucumber Lime Refresher
Ingredients:
Per each serving:
3 cups watermelon, cubed
½ cucumber, diced
2 limes, juiced
Directions:
Add the watermelon, cucumber, and lime juice to a blender, and blend until smooth. Using a mesh strainer, strain the juice over a large liquid measuring cup to remove the pulp. Use a spoon to help stir the pulp and press out the liquid. (Reserve the pulp to make pulp muffins!)
Source: www.tasty.co/recipe/watermelon-cucumber-lime-juice
Meet Our Team
Himani Singh Gupta
Founder
Krupal Rathod
Physiotherapist
Sumandeep Kaur
Massage Therapist
