Fibromyalgia Physical Therapy Specialists

What do they do in physical therapy for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia causes pain in patients due to the way their central nervous system processes and delivers pain signals around the nerves in the body. While fibromyalgia is a disease of the central nervous system, it can still affect the musculoskeletal system of the body by causing a maladaptive relationship between the musculoskeletal system and the central nervous system to occur due to chronic pain and stress. Physical therapy techniques that target pain as well as musculoskeletal issues that become drivers of pain over the course of the development of fibromyalgia are therefore effective and often used in the course of treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. 

For pain management, therapists at Release PT can administer state-of-the-art medical treatments such as laser therapy to treat pain on a cellular level as well as perform deep tissue work on areas of the body with increased levels of tension and pain. To address the musculoskeletal component of fibromyalgia that drives pain, our therapists focus on achieving proper body mechanics through postural training and activity modification, which often includes stretching and light strength training exercises. As our therapists work with patients individually for the entirety of their session and do not split their time between patients, we can offer higher quality and more individualized physical therapy protocols for patients with fibromyalgia as well as closely monitor their pain levels throughout the session.

Does physical therapy help fibromyalgia?

Many patients with fibromyalgia report decreased levels of pain and stiffness in their bodies after receiving physical therapy. Physical therapists work with patients to administer pain relieving therapies as well as increase their strength and stability which over time can improve their body kinesiology, pain levels, and posture. Fibromyalgia can also lead to further worsening of any injuries or physical issues unrelated to fibromyalgia that a patient was already suffering from before the onset of fibromyalgia. Receiving physical therapy for these concerns helps prevent further deterioration and pain from pre-existing conditions. 

Patients with fibromyalgia who receive physical therapy are often able to return to exercises that brought them pain before physical therapy. Being able to engage again in hobbies that bring them joy as well as regaining the ability to participate in light exercise can do wonders to a patients mental health and overall wellbeing. 

In order to see success in physical therapy, patients with fibromyalgia must work with physical therapists who are highly trained and knowledgeable about fibromyalgia to ensure that they do not experience flares as they seek treatment. At Release PT, physical therapists work 1-on-1 with patients for the entirety of the session and can therefore attend closely to their individual needs and symptoms beyond what a typical physical therapy office can offer.

Can physical therapy make fibromyalgia worse?

Patients with fibromyalgia often suffer from chronic fatigue, and adding daily exercises along with tacking on yet more medical appointments can lead to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. However, physical therapy is transformative for many patients with fibromyalgia. To increase the odds of physical therapy being compatible with someone with fibromyalgia, it is important to seek out high-quality physical therapy from experienced physical therapists knowledgeable on fibromyalgia, such as the therapists we have on staff at Release PT. 

Another benefit Release PT can offer to patients with fibromyalgia is that the entire session is private. With the entirety of a therapist’s attention being focused on one patient, we are able to spend more time understanding the patient’s needs to adjust  treatment protocol as well as conduct a  thorough patient history and comprehensive assessment. Patients receive physical support and guidance during any and all exercises during the completely 1-on-1 appointment. Depending on a patient’s needs and energy levels, the sessions can also predominantly focus on soft tissue work alongside other proven pain relief techniques for fibromyalgia such as laser therapy.  

We also understand the mental toll managing treatments for fibromyalgia can take. At Release PT, we file all insurance claims for our patients, relieving them of the stress and paperwork associated with doing it themselves. We also offer a convenient online booking system which makes scheduling and modifying your appointments easy, essential with a condition where sudden flare ups can impair patient’s abilities to attend to their daily tasks and appointments without pain or stress.

Is fibromyalgia physical therapy safe for people of all ages?

Physical therapy for fibromyalgia is generally safe for people of all ages when performed by licensed physical therapists such as the ones on staff at Release PT. Our physical therapists will adjust treatment protocols based on age and any other considerations that might affect a patient’s body, pain levels, or mobility.

How often should someone have physical therapy treatments for fibromyalgia?

How often a patient should receive physical therapy for their fibromyalgia depends largely on their pain and energy levels. Physical therapists at Release PT work with patients to determine what frequency of visit will benefit them and improve their symptoms best.

What is the best exercise program for someone with fibromyalgia?

The best exercise program for someone with fibromyalgia will vary highly between patients. Fibromyalgia is a disease that presents differently in all patients, meaning even if two people have fibromyalgia, their capacity to exercise without pain or fatigue can often be different. For all patients with fibromyalgia, a good exercise program will begin with slowly introducing exercises into their routine. For some patients, small exercises that train the musculoskeletal system can help with pain, stiffness, and posture, while other patients will have more success through finding a cardio program tolerable to their body that helps regulate their central nervous system, the body system that drives pain in fibromyalgia. At Release PT, physical therapists conduct a thorough patient history to develop a treatment protocol with the patient that is tailored specifically to their needs and symptoms.

How long does someone need to do physical therapy to experience relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms?

How long someone needs to do physical therapy to experience relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms will vary between patients based on their treatment tolerance. Release PT therapists understand how increasing movement can cause flares in patients with fibromyalgia and will work with patients to ensure their protocol doesn’t exacerbate their symptoms. Certain aspects of physical therapy treatments, such as deep tissue work and laser therapy, can help with pain due to muscle cramping and tightness almost immediately, while other therapies such as cardiovascular conditioning and muscle strengthening can take longer based on individual tolerance. To work with a licensed physical therapist who will take the time to listen to you and develop a treatment protocol especially tailored to you, please feel free to contact us or book an intake appointment now. We look forward to working with you!