What is Fibromyalgia and what can be done to treat it?
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body. Unlike pain from a bruise or a sprain, fibromyalgia pain doesn’t originate from any visible injury or damage to the body. Instead, it’s believed to be related to changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals from the nerves.
For many people, the pain can be described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. But it’s not just about pain. Many describe it as a pervasive fatigue, similar to the exhaustion you’d feel from the flu. This isn’t the kind of tiredness that goes away after a good night’s sleep; it’s a lingering, incapacitating fatigue that can interfere with even the most basic daily activities.
Strategies To Help Fibromyalgia
10-strategies-to-help-fibro-symptomsIn addition to pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia can lead to other symptoms. Some people report problems with thinking and memory, often referred to as “fibro fog.” This can manifest as difficulty concentrating on tasks, feeling mentally “hazy”, or forgetting simple information.
Fibromyalgia’s symptoms often mimic those of other conditions, which can make it challenging to diagnose. For instance, its pain can be mistaken for osteoarthritis, while its fatigue might be attributed to chronic fatigue syndrome. This overlapping nature means it’s important to get diagnosed properly in order to start managing it effectively.
While the exact causes of fibromyalgia remains a mystery, physiotherapists work together with their patient to help manage pain, improve function, fitness and mobility using a range of tools and strategies.
At BOOST PHYSIO, our expert physiotherapists help patients manage fibromyalgia symptoms with targeted physiotherapy treatments that improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being.
1. Pain Relief Through Manual Therapy & Gentle Exercises
Physiotherapy helps relieve fibromyalgia pain with soft tissue techniques, stretching, acupuncture and gentle mobilisations. These treatments reduce muscle stiffness, improve circulation, and decrease sensitivity to pain over time.
2. Improved Flexibility & Mobility
Stiffness and muscle tightness are common in fibromyalgia. A personalised stretching and mobility program can help improve range of motion, making daily activities easier and less painful.
3. Low-Impact Strength Training for Muscle Support
Weak muscles can contribute to pain and fatigue. Our physiotherapists incorporate low-impact strengthening exercises to build muscle endurance without overloading the body, helping to reduce discomfort and improve physical function.
4. Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques
Stress can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Physiotherapy incorporates breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and gentle movement therapies to calm the nervous system and promote better pain management.
5. Improved Sleep & Reduced Fatigue
Chronic pain often leads to poor sleep and increased fatigue. By reducing pain levels and improving movement, physiotherapy helps patients get better rest, leading to more energy and reduced daytime exhaustion.
At BOOST PHYSIO, we provide personalised physiotherapy treatments for fibromyalgia, helping patients regain control over their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
📞 Book a physiotherapy consultation today and take the first step toward better pain management.
