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Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Is there any way to find relief from pain that you know is real, but others can’t see? People with fibromyalgia not only have to deal with chronic pain, but also the emotional stress of living with an “invisible illness.” At Hands-On Physical Therapy, we see your pain, and we can help.
Our team of expert therapists is dedicated to helping you manage your fibromyalgia, improve your health, and change your life. Call us at (929) 647-3721 or click the link below to get started on your road to recovery today.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, tenderness, or stiffness in the body’s muscles and joints. This condition can affect people of any age, but it does tend to affect women more often than men. Because fibromyalgia is not a disease but a collection of symptoms, researchers do not know what causes this condition. However, common risk factors for this condition include:
- Being over 40 years old
- Being female
- Having chronic illnesses
- Experiencing a physical or emotional trauma
- Having a severe infection
Since fibromyalgia isn’t easy for others to see, like a broken arm, it’s known as an “invisible illness.” It is very real, but it can be difficult to explain to those who’ve never experienced it because there is no obvious cause of the pain like a fractured bone or a sprained muscle.
Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia symptoms are different for everyone. In fact, symptoms can come and go in “flare ups” where one day you feel fine, and the next you don’t. The severity and duration of symptoms can change over time, but the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Muscle pain, soreness, or tenderness
- Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
- Trouble with memory or focus
- Depression, anxiety, and mood swings
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)
How Fibromyalgia Can Impact Your Daily Life
The effects of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, but there is no doubt that this condition impacts patients’ quality of life. Here are some common descriptions of what it’s like to live with fibromyalgia:
- Your body can feel like it is on fire or badly sunburned
- Light touches like a hug or wearing clothes can feel excruciating
- Feeling emotional stress from others doubting the severity of your pain
- Guilt over how your condition impacts your loved ones
- Pain so constant that you can’t focus
- Struggling to get through daily tasks due to pain, fatigue, or forgetfulness
- Feeling like you have to fight your body to live a normal life
This is why it is so important to seek treatment for fibromyalgia. Not only can it impact your physical health, but also your mental and emotional health. The good news is that you don’t have to let this condition have free reign over your life—treatments like physical therapy can help you overcome fibromyalgia and live the life you deserve.
How Is Fibromyalgia Typically Treated?
The most common treatment for any kind of pain, including fibromyalgia, is medication. Physicians may prescribe pain relievers or other drugs that can numb the symptoms but don’t improve the condition. Physicians often recommend physical therapy to help patients avoid relying on medications and alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia while improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Why Choose Hands-On Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia Treatment?
Even if you’ve tried physical therapy before, you’ve never experienced it like this. At Hands-On Physical Therapy, we take a different approach to helping our patients improve their mobility and get rid of their pain. Our expert therapists use advanced diagnostic technology to truly see your pain. Then we utilize proven, hands-on physical therapy techniques to alleviate your pain and get you moving confidently again.
Our Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Some of the advanced diagnostic technology we use to help pinpoint the root causes of your pain for customized treatments include:
- Electromyography (EMG) – a simple test that evaluates the condition of your muscles by measuring their electrical activity both while contracting and at rest.
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) – a test that measures electrical activity through your nerves to determine if they are healthy and functioning well.
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) – a diagnostic tool to see inside your body to determine what effects your muscles and joints are having on your pain levels.
How We Can Treat Fibromyalgia
We believe in the power of education to help you better understand your fibromyalgia triggers so you can take back control of your life. Our team will work with you on your customized therapy plan designed to address your needs, answer your questions, and offer advice on what to do between appointments to help alleviate your pain.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercises
- Muscle strengthening
- Building your range of motion
- Ice and/or heat
- Trigger point therapy
- Stretching
- Massage
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Many patients worry that doing any amount of exercise—including physical therapy exercises—will only make their pain worse. But the muscle weakness, limited range of motion, and other health issues that go along with inactivity can actually make your pain worse. By doing simple exercises and stretches, you can:
- Reduce pain
- Improve strength
- Gain energy
- Improve mood
- Decrease stress
- Reduce insomnia
- And more
Plus, you don’t have to do it alone! Our expert physical therapists will be with you every step of the way, not only to encourage you but to ensure you approach your treatment safely and effectively.
What Our Patients Have to Say
“Wonderful communication and I felt “HEARD” and validated. Dr. Steven was able to give me hope and physical comfort. Invisible pain finally taken seriously.” –V.D. [link]
“Such a great place! Everyone is very nice and helpful. I was in severe pain for months and once I started going here, I consistently have started to feel better. Very encouraging & great staff! Highly recommend.” –R.L. [link]
“I started my physical Therapy at Hands-On care three months ago with extreme pain due to my Fibromyalgia which I have suffered with for 5 years. The therapists at Hands-On were very knowledgeable about my condition and used innovative techniques to greatly improve my health and well-being. As a result, I feel better than I have in 3 years, I reduced all my pain killers, I learned a routine to maintain on my own and I look much better! Many thanks to the staff!!” –K.S. [link]
Schedule Your Appointment with Hands-On Physical Therapy
You don’t have to keep struggling with fibromyalgia alone. Our expert physical therapists are here to help you take back control of your body and live the life you deserve. Call us at (929) 647-3721 or click the link below to schedule your physical therapy evaluation today.