Fibromyalgia is a condition that doctors define as having chronic pain at 11 of 18 predetermined points in the body. It’s also a fairly common issue since this condition is estimated to affect up to 12 million Americans.
If you’re one of the people with this condition, you might be wondering what the best treatment is for fibromyalgia. Physical therapy can offer benefits to patients with this condition. It can also be combined with other treatment options to create the most effective treatment plan for your fibromyalgia.
What therapy techniques are the best treatments for fibromyalgia?
Physical therapists are trained in the use of evidence-based therapy methods. Several of these methods can help patients with fibromyalgia. Some of the best treatment techniques therapists offer for fibromyalgia include:
- Manual therapy — This technique relies on the therapist’s hands to provide therapeutic pressure to fibromyalgia pain points. It can also be used to loosen up stiff joints and reduce tension in soft tissue trigger points. One study shows that a type of manual therapy called spinal manipulation helps reduce pain significantly in fibromyalgia patients. It also reports that this therapy method led to improved sleep quality and fatigue levels.
- Aquatic therapy — Warm pools are typically used for a therapy technique called aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy sessions involve performing various exercises and movements in the pool. The fact that water has a natural buoyancy helps reduce the force these movements place on the body. A medical study on fibromyalgia reports that patients had a seven-point decrease in pain on a scale of 1 to 100 after using aquatic therapy. Additionally, the study reports that this technique led to a 27% decrease in stiffness and a 37% increase in muscle strength.
- Kinesio Taping® — This therapy method involves applying specially designed tape to various parts of the body. The tape is designed to lift the skin upward, which can help improve blood flow in the problem area. At the same time, it provides support for painful or injured body parts. One study used Kinesio Taping® on the torsos of people with fibromyalgia. As a result of this treatment, patients experienced reduced pain and better shoulder and neck comfort.
Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help you find the best physical therapy treatments for fibromyalgia
You don’t have to look far to find the best therapeutic treatments for fibromyalgia. Our team at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy is ready to provide the therapy you need for this chronic pain condition. We offer free screenings at our 11 clinics in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. Your screening allows us to learn how fibromyalgia is affecting you. This information is then used to build a personalized, multitechnique treatment plan for you.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can treat your fibromyalgia or to schedule an initial appointment.
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