Physical therapists help individuals with all types of conditions. This includes fibromyalgia physical therapy. Therapy helps people learn how to relieve symptoms. In fact, physical therapists teach methods for building strength and improved range of motion. Therefore, physical therapy (PT) can help prevent painful flare-ups.
Licensed physical therapists have a background in anatomy and kinesiology. This is the study of movement. A course of stretching and strengthening can help fibromyalgia pain. PT restores function and mobility as well as relieves pain. So, people with fibromyalgia can live comfortable lives.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain?
Fibromyalgia doesn’t have a cure. Therefore, the only treatment option is to relieve pain. PT can achieve this along with reducing stiffness and fatigue. However, different resources are used in fibromyalgia physical therapy. Heat packs, hydrotherapy, and deep tissue massage are the most common. With these resources, therapists help patients use their joints and muscles with ease.
PT is a gentle way for patients to stretch and strengthen muscles. So, you are able to work one-on-one with a trained professional. The focus is all on improving your mobility and reducing pain. So, you will get a fibromyalgia physical therapy-specific plan to follow. Your therapist keeps track of your progress. As you progress with your fibromyalgia physical therapy, adjustments will be made to your plan. You also have exercises to practice at home to support pain relief.
What is Hydrotherapy and Why Is It Used?
Hydrotherapy can help with short-term pain relief. Moist heat or cold packs are used to stimulate the body’s healing. Cold helps to reduce swelling. This is common for sprain or strain injuries. On the other hand, warm, moist packs help dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow. Therefore, relieving trigger point pain. In addition, you can also sit in a shower, letting the water hit the painful area.
Also, see: How to Create Your Own Hot & Cold Packs
Before stretching, moist heat is common. In fact, prior to physical therapy and before aerobic exercises, it’s common too. Your physical therapist will advise how often you should use moist heat. Typically, twice a day will help relieve fibromyalgia pains. You may also benefit from alternating cold and heat packs.
Also, see: How Heat Therapy Can Help with Back Pain
Other Physical Therapy Tools
In addition to hydrotherapy to help get muscles moving, the therapist may also use the following:
- Deep tissue massage
- Pain relief exercises
- Ultrasounds to identify injuries
- Stretching exercises
- Muscle-strengthening movements
- Low-impact aerobics (water exercises)
- TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
So, if you are looking for a top physical therapist, call us at 888-409-8006. Our offices are located throughout South Florida.
