What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is somewhat of an umbrella medical term used to describe someone who is experiencing a certain combination of symptoms.
Although the exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unclear, some medical experts believe it may be caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of your body that elicits “fight or flight” responses.
This theory makes sense, as people tend to develop their first symptoms of fibromyalgia after experiencing a physically or emotionally traumatic event, though it has never been scientifically proven.
Some people who develop fibromyalgia begin with chronic bouts of stress or depression, while others experience symptoms that build over time.
Fibromyalgia also tends to affect twice as many women as men, and your likelihood of developing it increases if you have a family member with the same condition.
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Nausea
- Disrupted sleep cycles/irregular sleep schedules
- Sensitivity to touch/numbness
- Chronic and/or sharp muscle pains
- Tender areas of the body
- Fatigue
- Fluctuations in mood
- Forgetfulness or disorientation
How can fibromyalgia affect my daily life?
Fibromyalgia can cause widespread aches, such as back pain, tender spots, fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, and “fibro-fog” (memory or focus problems). Together, these symptoms can make working, exercising, or enjoying hobbies harder.
If you notice pain and fatigue most days for at least three months, ask a Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners physical therapist for an evaluation.
Physical therapy for fibromyalgia relief
Since fibromyalgia is not a disease, but rather a range of symptoms, there is no single, surefire treatment for the condition. There is no cure. However, physical therapy has been shown to help patients manage their symptoms successfully.
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, we can provide effective treatments to manage symptoms in the long term and help you regain optimal function.
If you have fibromyalgia and visit one of our clinics in Utah, Idaho, or Montana. Our physical therapists will assess your physical abilities, review your medical history, and discuss your current symptoms to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Primary physicians will typically prescribe pain medication or an antidepressant to manage symptoms; however, FDA-approved medications help only about 1 in 7–10 patients and do not address the chronic nature of the condition or the loss of function that chronic pain and distress typically bring.
Physical therapy typically begins with pain-relieving modalities to provide relief and promote healing. This may include dry needling, massage, stretching, electrical stimulation, or other therapeutic tools our physical therapist believes will benefit your recovery.
After this, your treatments will shift toward active therapies, such as muscle strengthening, range-of-motion activities, and cardiovascular exercises.
We understand that sometimes, taking the first step to getting treatment for a pain condition can be the hardest part. That’s why we’re here to reassure you that when you come to Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, you’re in good hands.
Are you ready to find relief from fibromyalgia pain?
Regardless of where you are on your journey, you can find relief from even your worst fibromyalgia symptoms through our physical therapy services.
Contact Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners to schedule an appointment to get you started on the road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is physical therapy good for fibromyalgia?
Yes. Gentle exercise, stretching, posture training, and hands-on techniques from a physical therapist can lower pain, loosen stiff muscles, improve sleep, and help you manage flares, often reducing the need for medication.
What activities should I avoid when I have fibromyalgia?
Avoid pushing to exhaustion, heavy lifting, high-impact or fast-paced workouts, staying up late, and high stress. Instead, pace daily tasks, use gentle movement like yoga or walking, and keep a regular sleep schedule to cut down flare-ups.
Can fibromyalgia cause easy bruising?
Yes. Many people with fibromyalgia notice they bruise from light bumps or pressure. Heightened pain sensitivity and fragile capillaries can be to blame. If bruising is frequent or severe, have your healthcare provider rule out other causes.
Are there new treatments for fibromyalgia?
Scientists are studying newer medicines such as low-dose naltrexone and Tonmya™, a sublingual form of cyclobenzaprine taken at bedtime. While early results show better sleep and less pain for some people, these drugs are not cures. Talk with your healthcare team about whether newer treatments could complement your physical therapy program.