Thursday, July 2, 2015

Using Physical Therapy to Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain

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Using Physical Therapy to Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain

by lakecountrypt, July 1, 2015
With over three million Americans suffering from fibromyalgia, it is a fairly common condition in this country. It is a painful disorder that includes widespread musculoskeletal pain. The discomfort is mainly in the muscles and joints while it creates tenderness throughout the body. These pains can alter everyday life as sleep and mood are impacted in a profound way. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, physical therapy can combat the pain of this condition and even reduce future discomfort.
There are various types of physical therapy that can ease the pain of fibromyalgia. One major practice is hydrotherapy. It mixes in heating pads and cold compresses with the water exercises to yield maximum results. Cold compresses reduce pain and swelling in the targeted area and heat causes more blood to flow. This acts as a catalyst to stimulate normal bodily healing functions. These three together can help increase range of motion and reduce the pain caused by flare ups.
Stretching before any exercise is a must because it prepares your joints for the activity and warms them up. Many athletic activities can help reduce pain, especially yoga. Physical therapists have not only recommended it, but they have begun to incorporate it into their own systems as well. Due to the fact that it is a calm and relaxing exercise that is used to stretch out almost the entire body, it is perfect for fibromyalgia patients. The key to any exercise to combat pain is to start slow, keep a steady pace, and modify during differing amounts of stress.
A physical therapist’s job is to reduce pain and hasten the healing process of multiple ailments. They can use their expertise to drastically improve the condition of fibromyalgia. A therapy plan tailored around the disorder can not only lead to less pain, but a greater quality of life as a whole.

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