Fibromyalgia primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50 years old and can be triggered by a stressful/traumatic physical or psychological event. Following this event, chemical imbalance in the brain and nervous system lowers the body’s pain thresholds causing normal signals to be felt as pain, and also disturbs the body’s ability to cope with physical and psychological stressors, despite no tissue damage or deformity.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Symptoms of fibromyalgia vary widely between every person, however common symptoms include
- Widespread pain, hypersensitivity and unpredictable pains
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
- Muscle stiffness and tenderness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles/electric shock sensations
Other symptoms can include hypersensitivity to other stimuli (smell, light and taste) ,a dry mouth, hot sweats and problems with mental processes e.g. speech, memory and concentration.
Fibromyalgia also rarely occurs alone and is often associated with the development of other conditions such as IBS, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression/anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
How can physio help with fibromyalgia?
While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, our physiotherapists may help ease the symptoms of pain. They can also help reduce stiffness and fatigue. In addition to advice and education, our physiotherapists use a wide range of resources – from deep tissue massage to graded strengthening programmes with a particular focus on movement that is functional and meaningful. With these tools, they can help people with fibromyalgia use their muscles, stretch for flexibility, and move their joints through a range of exercises. The therapist documents your progress and gauges whether you’re practicing good therapy habits, alignments, and movement patterns in addition to the exercises at home.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you further, please call us on 0330 335 1016 or fill in the contact sheet and we will get in touch with you.