Nearly 5 million people in the United States have fibromyalgia. This chronic condition causes widespread pain and fatigue. It can be difficult to manage and can severely impact quality of life. The best treatment plans combine exercise, manual therapy, and education. Physical therapists are experts in all three, so they are the perfect practitioner to help!

Currently, recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia include patient education and non-pharmacological interventions. The right exercise routine can help with pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. A combination of gentle strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercise is the most effective. Water-based exercise can also be of benefit. Gentle manual therapy and massage have been shown to help reduce pain and muscle stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. Your physical therapist will work together with you to find the right type and intensity of therapy to best manage your symptoms.

Education is another key component in treating fibromyalgia. Physical therapists will help you understand the chronic pain associated from fibromyalgia, factors in your life that can intensify pain, and what you can do about it. Research shows that people with more knowledge about their condition have better outcomes, more confidence, and cope better.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, Northern Rehab physical therapists are highly trained health care professionals that can assist with pain management, strength, mobility, endurance, and functional training to help patients find relief from their symptoms. We work one-on-one with each patient to reach their goals and to meet their expectations. You don’t have to live with pain; if you are interested in beginning physical therapy or would like more information, please contact us at 815.756.8524.