Why do you need physical therapy for fibromyalgia?

physical therapy for fibromyalgia

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, then you know that treating it is no walk in the park. Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition because the exact causes of it in each individual who has it are rarely known. It manifests as pain that can seemingly be random. 

However, sometimes triggers that cause flare-ups of fibromyalgia pain can be identified, and health care professionals can help intervene. One type of health care professional who can help you if you have fibromyalgia is a physical therapist.

Physical therapists can help reduce fibromyalgia triggers

A common trigger for fibromyalgia pain is tension in the muscles. Isolated tense spots in the muscles — known as trigger points — can cause pain to flare up. Physical therapists can identify these trigger points and work on treating them.

Treatments vary from person to person depending on their specific needs but often include:

  • Soft tissue mobilization for working out the tension in muscle tissue caused by trigger points.
  • Therapeutic exercises to help improve strength and flexibility. Stronger and more flexible muscles are less vulnerable to developing tension and trigger points.
  • Posture guidance to help you reduce unnecessary strain on your muscles caused by poor posture.
  • Patient education to help you perform day-to-day activities more efficiently, which can help reduce the development of fibromyalgia triggers.

Physical therapists can help you get through fibromyalgia flare-ups

While physical therapy can help manage pain and prevent some triggers, ultimately, fibromyalgia can rear its ugly head and strike when you’re least expecting it. It’s important that you’re equipped to get through these circumstances to manage the pain as effectively as possible.

Physical therapists can guide you through relaxation techniques and other methods that can help you get through flare-ups.

Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy today for fibromyalgia physical therapy

Do you suffer from frequent flare-ups of fibromyalgia pain? Our team at Whatcom Physical Therapy can work with you to help you reduce triggers and manage your pain. We can provide a personalized treatment designed specifically with your individual needs in mind. Contact our team today for more information about pelvic health physical therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.