Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that affects more and more individuals each day and, while there is no cure, those who suffer from it can reduce and relieve some symptoms with the proper treatment. Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin, notes that physical therapy is one of the most effective and safe ways for individuals to alleviate pain caused by fibromyalgia.

Rankin adds that one of the great difficulties of treating fibromyalgia is that the condition can lead to a wide array of physical symptoms such as tender points around the neck and shoulders, stiff muscles, and fatigue. “Many individuals shy away from exercise and other forms of movement due to the chronic pain they experience due to this condition, but working with a physical therapist can help them reduce pain, stay active, and significantly improve their quality of life,” says Rankin.

Rankin further notes that a licensed physical therapist can employ both passive and active treatments that will help you manage symptoms of fibromyalgia by: 

Helping you stay active – Staying active and maintaining a healthy body mass index can help prevent an onset of fibromyalgia. Regular low-impact exercise such as swimming or walking can help reduce stiffness and prevent other triggers that may worsen your pain.

Improving your range of motion – Your physical therapist will help you improve your strength and flexibility to make it easier for you to move and reduce stress on your joints.

Decreasing muscle tension and muscle spasms – A physical therapist may use hot and cold treatments, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, and other treatments to help you relax your muscles and prevent painful muscle spasms.

The right treatment plan can help you sustainably and effectively treat your pain. If you are interested in working with a physical therapist to help you manage pain caused by fibromyalgia, we invite you to contact our clinic.