Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia: Treatment and Exercises
Is fibromyalgia real? Or is it just an overused term by people who crave attention, support, and the benefits that come with being sick?
Fibromyalgia is coined from the combination of a Latin word and two Greek words.
The Latin word “fibro” means” fibrous tissue,” and the two Greek words “mys” and “algos” mean "muscle and pain," respectively.
Fibromyalgia does not have a cure but can be managed over a lifetime. Healthcare experts advise physical therapy for fibromyalgia as one way to cope with the disease.
Before we discuss the different physical therapy options for fibromyalgia, what is Fibromyalgia?
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), literally means muscle pain.
Only that this kind of muscle pain can be said to have a mind of its own…
It never ends and varies with degree and intensity as it pleases. This condition is predominantly suffered by women. People who suffer from fibromyalgia experience widespread pain in several tender points all over the body.
Fibromyalgia does not reduce life expectancy, but it does increase the chances of early death from other causes, such as accidents, infections, or suicide, according to WebMD.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unidentified, but several factors could lead to the condition.
Genetics
Some people may come from a family with a history of arthritis or a mother who suffered fibromyalgia, and the condition was passed to them at birth.
PTSD
Fibromyalgia can be caused by a malfunction of the central nervous system. A person who is dealing with past trauma is prone to suffering fibromyalgia due to a dysregulated nervous system.
Stress
Good old stress is also suspected to be a possible cause of fibromyalgia, as it leads to hormonal changes, which can alter the functioning of a person.
What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
There are a host of symptoms that come with fibromyalgia, but the major one is the constant aching body pain.
Others include:
Chronic fatigue that even deep eight hours of sleep does not take away.
Brain fog (Fibro fog). This is like amnesia that comes and goes away temporarily, only to come back again.
People with fibromyalgia are often forgetful, and their minds can go blank in the middle of a conversation.
Clumsiness. Because their nervous system is dysregulated, it can send the wrong impulses to the muscles, causing the person to trip or fall.
Sleeping difficulties like insomnia are common in fibromyalgia patients. Sometimes, due to the intense body aches, even lying down to sleep is painful.
Frequent headaches and migraines.
Heightened body sensitivity to stimuli, e.g., loud sounds, bright light, and strong scents.
Joint or muscle cramps.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain are common symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.
These and a host of others are common symptoms in people with fibromyalgia. Since there's no cure for this condition, certain measures are adopted to cope with it.
Let’s discuss how physical therapy can help you manage the condition.
How Physical Therapy Helps with Fibromyalgia
Physical therapy is a valuable tool for managing fibromyalgia. It will help ease your pain, improve movement, and build strength. With the right exercises and the help of a qualified and experienced PT, your daily activities will become easier.
Physical therapy can be very helpful in dealing with symptoms like brain fog and joint cramps. This will also teach you how to maintain your balance and reduce the risk of falls and accidents.
Your PT will also educate you on how the condition affects lives emotionally and physically. This knowledge lets you make informed decisions and choices in your daily life.
Common Physical Therapy Techniques for Fibromyalgia
Physical therapy techniques are various methods a physical therapist will use to help you get better. Here are some of the methods:
Resistance and strength training
Strength training is effective for muscle strength and pain reduction.
Ultrasound
This is the use of sound waves to generate heat over nerve sensors to improve blood circulation.
Aqua therapy
This requires fibromyalgia patients to perform certain exercises in a pool of water while being overseen by the physical therapist. It's effective for endurance training.
Manual therapy
This requires the physiotherapist to perform a hands-on body massage to relieve muscle tension.
Heat therapy
The person with fibromyalgia can use a hot towel or a heating pad to massage affected body areas.
Yoga
Yoga can be very effective for fibromyalgia patients because it is multifaceted. It's like using one stone to kill two birds.
You get to do very little, as much as your circumstances allow, reduce your body pains, and relax your mind simultaneously.
There are various physical therapy exercises for fibromyalgia patients, but not all of them work.
Let’s discuss effective physical therapy exercises for fibromyalgia patients in detail below.
Effective Physical Therapy Exercises for Fibromyalgia
Certain exercises target specific pain points to help reduce pain. Here are some exercises you can try to reduce fibromyalgia pain:
Walking
Taking short walks can help to reduce muscle stiffness and increase blood circulation. Depending on the intensity of your condition, you can vary the distance you walk, remember to always listen to your body.
Swimming
Water has a calming effect on joint or muscle cramps and can significantly help relieve body tension.
Stretching
This is an exercise you can perform right on your bed to flex your body and make movement a tad bit easier.
Stationary cycling
This is an aerobic exercise that can help to strengthen your leg muscles and build your balance.
Deep breathing
And on the worst days, you can't do anything else; suck deep breaths periodically.
It'll help ease your mind and calm your nervous system.
If you feel excessive or unbearable pain during exercises, report it to your therapist and make sure to request a personalized exercise program that works just for you.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Physical therapy is aimed at improving the symptoms of the condition and making life bearable for the patients.
However, it won't look like it at first glance because it'll require you to make some efforts that'll probably cause you to feel some pain or even more pain.
Some people decide to just go for the easy way out: painkillers.
Painkillers can be effective short term but have lasting side effects.
Physical therapy, on the other hand, can be strenuous in the short term, but it will improve your overall well-being in the long run. Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy exercises for fibromyalgia:
Increased energy levels
Physical therapy exercises for fibromyalgia, like stretches, can help to increase your energy level while you get to perform your daily tasks with a lot more ease.
Exercising helps with clear thinking
When you move your body in such an intentional, coordinated manner, you also train yourself to be strong-willed and tenacious, leaving no room for self-pity, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Informed knowledge
Physical therapy exposes you to information about your body that you didn't know before. This information helps you understand your limitations and tailor your activities to meet those needs.
Living with Fibromyalgia: Tips and Advice
Living with fibromyalgia can be hard. The endless pain and exhaustion from doing little things you enjoy can make you want to question your entire existence, but don't.
Hard as it may seem, you can live with fibromyalgia.
Learn to say “NO.”
Say no to things you can't do. Politely decline invitations that will require you to exert more energy than you have.
If you work, discuss with your employer and find a work schedule that works for both of you. You can also consider working remotely if possible.
Don't give in to the urge to isolate yourself when you have feelings of anxiety or depression.
Communicate your needs and emotions to your loved ones as much as you can and ask for help.
Avoid junk. Eat healthy foods that'll help with muscle growth and blood circulation and improve cognitive functioning.
Exercise as much as your circumstances allow.
Trauma happens to the mind but is stored in the body; if you have a traumatic past, try therapy to relieve the baggage and re-regulate your nervous system.
Don't abandon your hobbies.
If you can paint, draw, knit, or you enjoy journaling, don't stop.
Final Thoughts
Do not diagnose yourself with a few symptoms. Consult a health professional first.
And if you're diagnosed with fibromyalgia, don't panic; you can learn to cope with the condition and live your best life.
We have discussed several ways to cope with it, including physical therapy exercises and lifestyle advice to help you in your daily life.
Lastly, prioritize your mental health as you do your physical health; both work hand in glove.
Fibromyalgia does not end your life; it's a bad condition to live with, but you can endure it.
To get all-around effective care and support with physical therapy exercises for fibromyalgia, contact us at Miracle Rehab Clinic.
Our PTs are very knowledgeable and care for all patients with empathy and the care they very much deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physical therapy exercises help with fibromyalgia pain?
Yes, physical therapy exercises can help with fibromyalgia pain if used correctly and under proper supervision.
There are a lot of techniques that help to reduce fibromyalgia pain, but the intensity of the condition varies from person to person. Hence, one exercise that works for a fibromyalgia patient might not work for another.
Consult a licensed physical therapist at Miracle Rehab Clinic who has a background in working with fibromyalgia patients before trying any of the exercises.
Wrong implementation of any may lead to severe pain and other health issues.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take for Fibromyalgia?
There's no specific timeframe for physical therapy treatment for fibromyalgia. But, it takes at least 4-6 weeks to see an improvement in your symptoms after you start treatment.
For people with fibromyalgia who have more intense and frequent symptoms, treatment can last for months. The time frame of physical therapy for fibromyalgia is determined by how serious and frequent the condition is.
Can physical therapy prevent fibromyalgia flare-ups?
Yes, physical therapy can help to prevent flare-ups. Physical therapy consists of relaxation techniques like yoga stretches and meditation, aerobic and strength training exercises, etc.
All these help to improve fibromyalgia symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
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