Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that around 4 million Americans over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with. It’s a condition that can cause widespread pain and fatigue. While it’s most common in women, men can also be affected.
Pain and fatigue are the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients may experience mood changes and even mental fogginess, but pain is the telltale symptom. The pain can vary in intensity but is felt around various muscles and tissues around the body like in the back and legs.
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unclear but experts link stress and genetic disposition as potential triggers. Periods of severe illness or stress can have lasting effects on the body which could be linked to the disease.
How do you manage it?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Medication, exercise, and massage therapy are all things that may help in the management of symptoms. Physical therapy can also be a great natural alternative. A physical therapist can work with a patient affected by fibromyalgia and develop a treatment plan that can help balance their bodies’ ability to regulate nerve impulses.
Some of the treatments a physical therapist will try may include, a tailored cardiovascular program of low impact movement to get the body moving, and muscle strengthening and range of motion exercises. they can also offer an array of pain-reducing modalities, like trigger point injections.
Here at Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, helping patients with fibromyalgia manage their pain is one of our specialties. Get relief from your symptoms, call us today for a consultation with one of our expert physical therapists.
