Fibromyalgia physical therapy

Fibromyalgia is a chronic nervous system condition that produces widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness. The pain varies from one individual to another and tends to increase with movement. (It has been described as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, stabbing, or intense burning.) Fibromyalgia can influence sleep, mood and memory. It can also contribute to extreme exhaustion.

What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?

• Pain and stiffness throughout the body
• Fatigue
• Depression, anxiety or mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Thinking, memory and concentration issues
• Headaches, including migraines
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Muscle tenderness
• Pain in the face or jaw, including temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
• Digestive problems, including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Treating fibromyalgia with physical and occupational therapy

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. However, research has confirmed that physical exercise is one of the most effective treatments for managing the associated pain and fatigue. To safely incorporate exercise into your daily routine, you can rely on the expertise of your Aurora physical and occupational therapy care team.

We've found that education is a key part of a successful treatment plan. That’s why during your physical and occupational therapy sessions, you’ll be taught strategies to improve movement and expand your range of motion. You’ll learn pacing skills to help you find the right balance between activity and rest, as well as how to better address tension in different body areas and muscles.

Other tools we’ll use to help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms include:

• Low-intensity exercise for conditioning and strengthening
• Self-empowerment activities that incorporate mindfulness, relaxation and stretching
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit including proper usage
• Deep-tissue massage
• Moist heat or cold packs

By learning self-care techniques including lifestyle adaptations and exercise guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to deal with symptoms linked with fibromyalgia. Seeking care from a physical or occupational therapist can help improve your quality of life.

Contact us

Contact us with your questions about fibromyalgia care.