Can Your Local Physiotherapy Clinic Help with Fibromyalgia?
As a condition that fluctuates and can have a significant impact on patients' lives, fibromyalgia is difficult to treat. If you have a fibromyalgia diagnosis, it's normal to want to learn more about the treatment options available. While painkillers are one option, you may also want to consider visiting a physiotherapy clinic.
Ways your physiotherapist can tackle stiffness
Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia report that pain and stiffness prevent them from moving around easily. If stiffness is a barrier to your physical wellbeing, there are a few ways a physiotherapy clinic could help.
Your physiotherapist will perform an analysis that identifies where stiffness affects you the most. From there, they'll introduce exercises that make it easier to mobilise joints and muscles. In some cases, they'll also address the surrounding structures, which can have an impact on how much stiffness you experience.
A physiotherapy clinic can reduce fibromyalgia tiredness
According to one study, patients with fibromyalgia experience increased trapezius stiffness and pain. As a large muscle that plays a role in supporting your head and neck, trapezius stiffness can lead to headaches, tension, and poor sleep.
When you visit a physiotherapy clinic, your therapist may make some suggestions to alleviate trapezius problems. In addition to exercise, they can introduce remedial muscle massage. If their approach results in a better night's sleep, you can reduce some of the tiredness your condition produces.
Alternative methods of pain relief
You may find that the pain you experience with fibromyalgia fluctuates. While long-term pain medications are available, overuse can come with some problems. For example, medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen can increase your peptic ulcer risk. Additionally, many opiates cause constipation.
If you want an alternative pain relief method, try to find a physiotherapy clinic that provides hydrotherapy. In addition to pool-based hydrotherapy, your physiotherapist can use damp and cool tools. In addition to relaxing your muscles, this approach disrupts pain signals by introducing a new sensation. Your physiotherapist can also make recommendations on how you use hydrotherapy at home.
Continuity of care
Although other practitioners will try their best to address your condition, you may find it's difficult to secure continuity of care. In contrast, making a regular appointment with a physiotherapist means you frequently see someone who understands how your fibromyalgia is evolving. When they become familiar with your pain patterns, they can fine-tune your treatment plan. Many patients also find that continuity of care is reassuring.
Whether you experience mild or severe pain, it's worth asking your doctor about attending a physiotherapy clinic. In many cases, it's also possible to make a self-referral.
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