Why should I know where fibromyalgia pain points are?

The answer is that understanding where fibromyalgia pain points are located can help you manage your pain better. This knowledge can be especially helpful when you have pain flare-ups. 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that’s estimated to affect up to 12 million Americans, and the primary symptom of this condition is widespread pain that flares up in different parts of the body. A physical therapist can help increase your knowledge of fibromyalgia and its common pain points. In addition, these specialists can assist you with effective fibromyalgia pain management.  

What are the most common fibromyalgia pain points?

Fibromyalgia pain tends to occur in specific areas of the body, and these areas are called pain points. The pain points tend to be grouped together, and they’re often tender to the touch. Also, pain points tend to be located near, but not in, the body’s joints. A few of the most common places that fibromyalgia pain occurs are the: 

• Lower part of the front of the neck.
• Edge of the upper breast.
• Arm near the elbow.
• Knee.
• Base of the skull in the back of the head.
• Hip bone.
• Upper outer buttock.
• Back of the neck.
• Back of the shoulders.

How can physical therapists help you manage fibromyalgia pain?

Fibromyalgia discomfort is often increased by a lack of activity or by myofascial trigger points. Physical therapists can help address your fibromyalgia pain using techniques such as: 

• Therapeutic exercises intended to stretch the muscles and increase strength around painful joints. 

• Myofascial release sessions that focus on breaking down the tension in myofascial trigger points.

• Ergonomic training designed to help improve your posture and reduce pain flare-ups.

• Spinal manipulation that can help ease pain and reduce fatigue levels.  

Whatcom Physical Therapy offers treatment for fibromyalgia pain

Ready to learn more about how physical therapists can treat fibromyalgia pain points? Our team at Whatcom PT is primed to help you learn as much as possible about your condition. We’ll start by doing a free screening on you so we can learn how fibromyalgia is affecting your body. Then, our therapists can create an individualized therapy plan for you that’s designed to reduce your pain and decrease the frequency of symptoms flare-ups. You can even get treatment from us when you’re too sore to leave home by signing up for a virtual therapy appointment. 

Contact our team today for more information about our services for fibromyalgia or to schedule an initial appointment.