It’s very normal to have some discomfort now and then. You could be sore from over-exercising or hitting your toe on a piece of furniture. You can usually shake it off or take some ibuprofen and get on with your day.
However, some people may endure extensive and chronic pain that may not go away despite their best efforts. This can have a significant influence on one’s life that anti-inflammatory medicines will not be able to alleviate.
If you are suffering from chronic pain that is accompanied by fatigue, changes in mood, or irregular sleep patterns, you may be dealing with a serious physiological condition, known as fibromyalgia. Aquatic therapy with us may be beneficial for you. Be sure to contact us today to learn how we can help!
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is somewhat of an umbrella term used to describe someone who is experiencing a certain combination of symptoms.
The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Nausea
- Fluctuations in mood
- Forgetfulness or disorientation
- Disrupted sleep cycles/irregular sleep schedules
- Sensitivity to touch/numbness
- Chronic and/or sharp muscle pains
- Tender areas of the body
- Fatigue
Some people who develop fibromyalgia begin with chronic bouts of stress or depression, while other symptoms build over time. Fibromyalgia tends to affect more women than men, and your likelihood of developing it increases if you have a family member with the same condition. It can get in the way of being able to comfortably live your life without pain, and it can also result in adverse mental health effects as well such as increased levels of depression and anxiety.
The exact cause of this condition is not clear at this time, but the good news is that physical aquatic and occupational therapy can help to mitigate the painful symptoms that accompany it.
The benefits of aquatic therapy
Because fibromyalgia is a collection of symptoms rather than a disease, there is no single, effective treatment. To alleviate symptoms, primary care physicians may usually prescribe a pain reliever or an antidepressant; however, these medications do not address the chronic nature of the disorder or the loss of function that chronic pain and distress can bring.
Aquatic therapy is a good option for those searching for long-lasting relief from chronic pain. We are proud to offer an aquatic therapy program suited for patients dealing with fibromyalgia. The soothing effects of water help to alleviate muscle pain and take the stress off the joints and spine without forcing you to feel increased pain.
It’s important to remember to be honest with yourself and your therapist when it comes to your ability to complete your exercises without discomfort. Your program can always be adjusted to accomplish your goals.
Treatments will typically begin with pain-relieving modalities to provide relief and promote healing. This may include the use of trigger point therapy, massage, stretching, electrical stimulation, or other therapeutic tools that our physical therapist believes could be beneficial to your recovery. After this, your treatments will shift toward active therapies, such as muscle strengthening, range-of-motion activities, and cardiovascular exercises, many of which will take place in water.
We also offer occupational therapy services at our clinic as well. An occupational therapist’s goal is to show you new ways to comfortably do things you’ve been unable to do because of fibromyalgia-related pain.
Ready to find relief with PT?
Therapy with us can help to relieve widespread pain, increase energy levels, improve sleep, and elevate your overall mood.
Regardless of where you are on your journey towards finding relief from fibromyalgia, you should give us a call today. Our therapists are here to help you get more out of life without being constantly restricted by nagging pain symptoms!
