Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body. It affects the way the brain processes pain signals, amplifying painful sensations.
People with fibromyalgia often experience:
Widespread Pain:
Common areas affected include the back, neck, shoulders, and hips, although the pain can vary.
Tender Points:
There are certain areas on the body, called tender points, that hurt when pressure is applied. These points are located in specific regions such as the back of the head, shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips. In patients with fibromyalgia, these points are particularly more painful.
Fatigue:
Chronic fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Cognitive Difficulties (Fibro Fog):
trouble with focus, memory, and concentration.
Sensitivity to Pain and Stimuli:
Increased sensitivity to pain (known as hyperalgesia) and may also be unusually sensitive to light, noise, and temperature changes (called allodynia).
Other Symptoms:
Headaches or migraines
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Numbness or tingling
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but researchers believe it involves several contributing factors:
Abnormal Pain Processing:
Genetic Factors
Triggers: Certain events may trigger the onset of fibromyalgia, including:
Physical trauma (e.g., injury, surgery).
Infection (e.g., viral illnesses).
Emotional or psychological stress (e.g., a traumatic life event).
Neurochemical Imbalance: Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, sleep, and pain perception—may be imbalanced in people with fibromyalgia.
Sleep Disturbances: Lack of restorative sleep may contribute to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Physical therapy is an effective and beneficial resource for people with fibromyalgia because it addresses key symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness through safe and structured movement. At our physical therapy practice in Bronxville, NY and Mamaroneck, NY, an expert physical therapist will evaluate your medical history and discuss treatment options that are best suited for you to improve your overall quality of life. We create personalized exercise programs based on each person’s symptoms, pain tolerance, and physical capabilities. This ensures that the exercises are both safe and effective. If a particular movement or exercise worsens pain, we can modify or change the exercise to fit the individual’s needs.
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There are many benefits of physical therapy for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, such as:
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Pain reduction and management
Reducing muscle stiffness
Improving energy levels and reducing fatigue
Enhancing mobility, flexibility, and range of motion
Helps prevent muscle weakness and deconditioning
Promotes better sleep and relaxation
Increasing ability to perform daily activities and overall quality of life
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Physical therapy offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing fibromyalgia symptoms. By focusing on movement, strength, and flexibility, it can help reduce pain, improve function, and promote better physical and emotional well-being. We recognize that sometimes taking the first step towards pain therapy can be the hardest part. That’s why we’re here to reassure you that you’re in good hands when you come to Prime Physio Physical Therapy in Bronxville, NY or Mamaroneck, NY.