Fibromyalgia Treatment
Manage the symptoms of this painful condition with the help of a compassionate physiotherapist.
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A Snapshot of Fibromyalgia
Living with fibromyalgia affects your quality of life on a daily basis, as the pain and fatigue you experience can make it difficult to do the things you enjoy – or even to do everyday necessities, such as preparing a meal or going to work.
This condition can be hard to understand, even by healthcare professionals, as its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions and there has been a lot of stigma surrounding it (including people questioning whether it actually exists).
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What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes musculoskeletal pain and muscle stiffness in many parts of the body. The pain comes from very sensitive nerve cells, which transmit the sensation of pain even though there’s no injury or damage to the area.
This is actually quite a common condition, affecting around 2 to 5 people in every 100. It’s more common in women than men and, while it can affect both adults and children, it seems to be more prevalent during middle adulthood.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
This condition manifests differently in each person and can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms can also vary from day to day, and it’s not unusual for them to disappear completely for extended periods.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in many different bones and muscles (lasting for at least 3 months)
- Increased sensitivity to pain (due to a decreased pain threshold)
- Increased responsiveness to sensory stimuli (such as heat, cold, light, smell, etc)
- Extreme fatigue
- Problems with concentration and memory (known as “fibro fog”)
- Problems with sleep
Fibromyalgia often co-exist with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and other types of headache, restless legs, painful menstrual periods, anxiety, depression, and numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
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Fibromyalgia Treatments
Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia and treatment instead focuses on ways to ease the pain and other symptoms. Most people will need a combination of strategies.
Some of the treatment options you might explore include:
- Medications (such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants)
- Physiotherapy (such as tailored exercise programs, hands-on techniques, relaxation strategies, dry needling, and hydrotherapy)
- Lifestyle changes (such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, and getting adequate sleep)
Recent evidence suggests that the first line of treatment for fibromyalgia should be non-pharmacologic (not medicine-based). Physiotherapy has been shown to provide some of the strongest benefits for management.
Your Fibromyalgia Questions Answered
Although the cause of this condition is currently unknown, it is believed it can be attributed to various factors. Some of these include genetics (as it tends to run in families), infections (as some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate it), and physical or emotional events (such as a car accident or prolonged psychological stress).
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are also common to a number of other conditions. Your doctor will begin by taking down your medical history and a description of your symptoms, as well as performing a physical examination. You may also be sent for tests (including blood tests, x-rays, or scans) to rule out other conditions.
At times, your symptoms may become more intense – this is known as a “flare”. Flares can be triggered or made worse by several factors, including weather changes, overexertion, mental stress, illness or injury, traveling, hormonal changes, and changes in treatment. Triggers vary from person to person, so it’s important to understand yours.
One of the hallmarks of this condition is pain, which is experienced in various muscles and soft tissues around the body. The pain can range from a mild ache to intense, almost unbearable discomfort. When felt in the chest, the pain can feel similar to a heart attack. When felt in the legs, it can feel similar to arthritis or a pulled muscle.
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Why Ace Allied Health?
Experienced Team
Our team of allied health professionals and physiotherapists bring years of experience to the table; rest assured that your care is in good hands.
Holistic & Non-Invasive
We take a holistic approach to treatment, using a whole-body approach to improve symptoms with medications and surgery as a last resort.
Personalised Treatment
As symptoms present differently between individuals, we’re committed to tailoring a treatment plan that suits your specific needs and goals.
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Choose Physiotherapy for Fibromyalgia
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and need some help in managing your symptoms so that you can get back to doing the things you love, book an appointment with one of the physiotherapists at Ace Allied Health. We have seen great results in using physiotherapy as a part of the fibromyalgia treatment plan and would love to discuss your specific symptoms and goals in more detail.
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Empowering Health and Performance
At Ace Allied Health, your well-being is our priority. No matter your age, stage of life, or lifestyle, we want to help you feel your best! Whether that’s with physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, or something else, we’re the team in your corner cheering you on to help you reach your goals. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier life by booking an appointment today.