Fibromyalgia Specialist

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition. To be diagnosed, you must be experiencing debilitating fatigue, tender areas of the body, changes in mood, or muscle pain for an extended period of time.

While it’s unclear what causes fibromyalgia, it’s believed the pain is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body that activates your fight or flight response.

Many people first experience fibromyalgia symptoms after a physical or emotionally traumatic event, while others may develop the painful condition after bouts with chronic stress or depression.

Fibromyalgia tends to affect women more than men, and you may be at risk if it runs in your family.

What are the treatments for fibromyalgia?

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, and treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe various medications to regulate your sympathetic nervous system.

Lifestyle changes that include exercise and movement are also beneficial. The team at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy specializes in the management of fibromyalgia and can provide the care you need to reduce your symptoms.

How can physical therapy help my fibromyalgia?

The team at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy can develop a treatment plan that balances your body’s own ability to regulate nerve impulses and alleviate your symptoms. Some of the treatment options include:

Cardiovascular exercise

Low-impact movement is one of the best ways to reduce widespread pain. Your physical therapist at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy develops a cardiovascular program that suits your abilities. Options may include walking on a treadmill and water aerobics.

Muscle strengthening and range of motion

When you’re in pain, you may find yourself guarding the area, which may limit your range of motion, weaken muscles, and increase your pain levels.

To restore strength and mobility, your physical therapist designs a muscle-strengthening and range-of-motion program that can break the pain-inducing cycle.

Pain-relieving modalities

The team at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy also offers treatments to alleviate pain without medication. Treatments may include ice, heat, trigger point injections, and massage therapy.

You may benefit from one or all three of these pain-relieving treatments to help relieve your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Regardless of where you are on your journey, you can get relief from your symptoms. Call Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy today or book an appointment online.