Fibromyalgia is a chronic nervous system condition that often causes widespread pain, fatigue, headaches, muscle stiffness, and a range of other symptoms. While there’s currently no cure for this life-altering disease, a physical therapist can help manage the symptoms so that you reclaim your life. Here’s a closer look at the significant benefits of physical therapy for those living with this condition.

How Physical Therapists Treat Fibromyalgia

1. Develop Exercise Plans for Managing Symptoms

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the chronic pain and stiffness fibromyalgia patients often experience. Depending on your level of fitness and symptoms, a physical therapist may recommend aerobic exercise, aquatic workouts, meditations, or strength conditioning, any of which could improve your overall health.

They also have the expertise to provide tips on exercising safely, helping minimize the risk of injury that can make your symptoms worse. Your plan will also include techniques for dealing with the increased pain you might initially feel after starting an exercise regimen.

2. Increase Range of Motion

Fibromyalgia also causes stiffness and joint discomfort, which can make even simple movements difficult and painful. Physical therapists have the training and expertise to manually move your joints while you relax, stretching out tendons and tight muscles. They’ll also teach you stretches you can do at home to continue increasing your range of motion and day-to-day comfort.

3. Implement Special Techniques to Decrease Pain

In addition to exercise, your therapist may use other resources and techniques to provide immediate pain relief. For instance, they might employ deep-tissue massage, hot packs, cold compresses, and electrical nerve stimulation, all of which can have immediate results. When combined with medication and regular exercise, these tools can help patients lead a normal life with as little pain as possible.

Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine PC offers advanced physical therapy to treat fibromyalgia throughout the Dalton, GA, region. They pride themselves in providing state-of-the-art care based on cutting-edge technology and earning the trust of more than 125 local health care providers. Visit their website to learn more about their physical therapy services and call (706) 226-5533 to make an appointment today.