Exploring Fibromyalgia (And How Physical Therapy Can Help)

Imagine living with widespread joint pain and tenderness — not to mention fatigue, sleep difficulties, and difficulties concentrating. Worse, you have no obvious outward physical symptoms, so many people struggle to understand why you’re suffering.

People with fibromyalgia don’t have to imagine this — they’re living it. Fibromyalgia is an often misunderstood condition that causes a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pain. Because these symptoms can vary from person to person and often mimic other conditions, managing fibromyalgia can often be an extremely frustrating experience.

At Therapy Fit, we understand this frustration and will work with you to develop a personalized program to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

A Quick Guide to Better Understanding Fibromyalgia

What Causes Fibromyalgia? 

Scientists don’t currently understand the cause of fibromyalgia but believe it may involve how the body processes pain signals. In people with fibromyalgia, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain, amplifying even mild discomfort. 

Furthermore, fibromyalgia may be triggered by a combination of factors such as genetics, physical or emotional trauma, infections, or prolonged stress. Over time, these influences can change how the body responds to pain, leading to widespread symptoms even without injury or inflammation.

Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms

• Widespread muscle and joint pain that lasts for at least three months
• Fatigue, even after a full night of sleep
• Sensitivity to touch, sound, or temperature
• Sleep disturbances or difficulty staying asleep
• Brain fog, which includes trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Headaches or migraines
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest
• Anxiety or depression

These symptoms often limit physical activity and affect a person’s ability to work, care for others, and enjoy hobbies. Over time, this can lead to a loss of strength, poor posture, and increased pain.

Managing Fibromyalgia with Physical Therapy

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, physical therapy offers a safe, non-drug option to manage your symptoms. We’ll work closely with you to better understand how your specific symptoms affect your day-to-day life and then design a program to help alleviate pain and improve function. We can also adapt that plan based on your comfort level and current physical abilities.

PT Treatment Techniques We Might Suggest

Manual Therapy

• Several hands-on techniques can relieve tension in tight muscles and improve movement in stiff joints. Myofascial release and trigger point therapy are particularly helpful for fibromyalgia.

Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise

• Low-impact exercises such as walking or riding a stationary bike increase circulation and reduce stiffness without straining the body. Over time, they can be an effective way to manage pain and reduce fatigue.

Stretching and Mobility Work

• Gentle stretching reduces muscle tension and improves joint mobility. It also helps prevent muscles from shortening due to inactivity.

Strengthening Exercises

• Light resistance training improves muscle support around joints, making movement less painful and allowing you to become more active. We’ll show you exercises modified to your needs.

Posture and Body Mechanics Training

• Poor posture can increase pain and lead to muscle fatigue. We’ll help you understand how you sit, stand, and move and work with you to improve core strength for better spinal alignment.

Education and Pacing Strategies

• Our physical therapists can help you better understand what’s causing your symptoms (and how to avoid them) and provide tips on pacing your activities and effectively managing energy levels.