Do you suffer from muscle pain over several areas of your body that doesn’t want to go away?
Does fatigue, sleeplessness, and a gloomy mood plague you as well?
You may be suffering from a condition known as Fibromyalgia.
There are no medical tests that confirm this condition. A rheumatologist can better define your status by one of two methods of testing. But first, the doctor must rule out other diseases that may be causing your symptoms using diagnostic examination tools. If no pathology is found, the physician can then test for fibromyalgia.
A point sensitivity test can be performed using a dolorimeter (pain detection) device pressing onto 18 predesignated points, 9 on each side of your body. These locations extend from your lower neck to above your knees. A positive test is indicated when 11 or more points are found to be symptomatic.
Some rheumatologists prefer to use a combination of the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) along with the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS). A reading of greater than 7 on the WPI and 5 on the SSS indicated the likely presence of fibromyalgia.
Several prescribed medications can be helpful and will depend on your medical history.
Lifestyle changes can be helpful to reduce symptoms and increase activity. Examples are don’t take naps during the day and keep busy with activities during the day. Patients are told “Pain means no gain,” meaning STOP if what you’re doing hurts.
Physical Therapy is often quite beneficial. Manual therapy techniques can provide welcome relief.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Myofascial Release is a deep stretching technique applied over the torso and extremities relieving tight and adhered structures that often cause discomfort and pain.
Cranial-Sacral Release can dissipate symptoms in the neck and pelvis areas often resulting in reenergizing the patient.
Exercise complements the effects of Myofascial Release and Cranial-Sacral Release: stretching, strengthening, walking, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates where muscles throughout the body are engaged, help relieve muscle and nerve tension allowing improved sleep and increased energy.
