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With proper therapy, most people with fibromyalgia can improve

Although currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia, people with the condition can control their symptoms and maintain a productive life-style with exercise, medication, stress management and physical therapy. Education about fibromyalgia is essential since individuals with the condition must learn to man­age their health.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome of fatigue, pain and tenderness that affects muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Why is it so hard to diagnose?

Two of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia —chronic pain and fatigue — can also be caused by many other conditions. People with fibromyalgia often undergo numerous tests, repeated evaluations and much frustration before they are diagnosed. Fortunately, in recent years, studies have helped establish diagnostic guides, such as the distinctive tender points, which help separate fibromyalgia from other conditions that also cause chronic muscle and bone pain.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

No cause for fibromyalgia has been determined, although many theories are being researched.
 

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and mood changes. Some people also experience numbness and tingling in legs, feet, arms, hands, or face. People with fibromyalgia are also more likely to have:

  • tension and migraine headaches
  • a history of allergies, especially a runny nose or nasal congestion
  • irritable bowel symptoms
  • TMJ problems
  • Sleep apnea
  • swelling and coldness, especially in the hands and feet


Exercise

Two principles in treating fibromyalgia are to increase cardiovascular fitness and to mobilize tight, sore muscles. The best way to start your exercise program is a low- or non-impact exer­cise such as brisk walking, biking, swimming or water aerobics. Start slowly. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles; it is also a natural antidepressant and is the best treatment for fibromyalgia.

 

Physical Therapy

The physical therapists at O'Neill Physical Therapy Services have helped many people with fibromyalgia. We can design an individual exercise program to decrease your pain, improve your posture, flexibility and fitness. We can also teach you helpful self-management techniques such as relaxation, physiological quieting, ways to improve your sleep, and change your home and work envi­ronment.

Stress management & support

Since stress and tension can aggravate symptoms, relaxation techniques such as visual imagery, biofeedback, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation or meditation are important.

What about the cost?

Your health insurance may cover many or all of our services. Call us so we can confirm your insurance coverage before your first ap­pointment. O'Neill Physical Therapy Services works with many insurance companies including:

  • MDIPA (Mamsi, Optimum Choice, Alliance)
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Columbia Free State
  • Potomac Physicians
  • Conservicare
  • TriState Health Partners
  • Medicare
  • Travelers
  • PHCS
  • CCN