Physiotherapy for fibromyalgia involves low-impact exercise and strength training for treating symptoms like fatigue, pain, and tenderness throughout the body. Through flexibility exercises and manual treatment techniques, physiotherapy aims to improve the quality of life for patients struggling with this condition.
According to Fibromyalgia Australia, this condition affects 3 to 5% of Australians. Symptoms of fibromyalgia often manifest as chronic pain throughout the body, tenderness of muscles and joints, exhaustion, and cognitive difficulties.
People with fibromyalgia also experience morning stiffness, difficulty sleeping, and sensory overload. At Align Health Collective, we use physiotherapy techniques to treat patients with fibromyalgia and help manage these symptoms. This guide will help you to understand the procedures involved in fibromyalgia physio, and how it can benefit you if you suffer from this condition.
Key Takeaways
- Fibromyalgia causes pain across the entire body, as well as sensitivity, memory problems, and moodiness.
- Physiotherapy addresses the underlying issues of fibromyalgia in the nervous system of the body.
- Low-impact strength training and dry needling are some of the ways physiotherapists help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Physiotherapy also manages the psychological effects of fibromyalgia by teaching you pain education and increasing your confidence.
What is Fibromyalgia? How does it Affect the Body?
Fibromyalgia creates widespread pain as well as fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues, and mood changes. If you have fibromyalgia, what causes mild discomfort for others, might cause severe pain for you. Other symptoms can include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Depression and anxiety
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
Fibromyalgia is primarily characterised by central sensitisation, a process where your nervous system becomes hypersensitive to touch. This means your brain and spinal cord amplify pain signals, causing you to experience normal sensations as painful. Your nervous system has essentially “turned up the volume” on pain perception.
What are the Most Effective Physiotherapy Exercises for Fibromyalgia?
The most effective physiotherapy exercises for managing fibromyalgia include low-impact aerobic walking, stretching exercises, and swimming. Many physiotherapists also help patients engage in Pilates, tai chi, and resistance training with resistance bands. Yoga and stationary cycling are also effective methods for strengthening the muscles and increasing the range of movement of affected limbs.
Your nervous system changes during physiotherapy in these key ways:
- Controlled movement therapy retrains your nervous system to respond better to physical activities, gradually reducing your pain.
- Graded exercise programs trigger your body to release endorphins (your natural painkillers) and improve your blood flow, which helps lower your pain signals and sensitivity.
- Manual therapy techniques reset your overactive pain receptors and break your cycle of muscle tension that often makes your pain worse.
- Pain education teaches you how your pain system works, which can change how your brain processes pain signals and reduce your fear of movement.
Aerobic exercise reduces pain by 11 to 18% and improves health-related quality of life (HRQL) by 8 to 15%, according to a study published in BioMed Research International. Here’s an overview of this and other exercises employed by physiotherapists for treating fibromyalgia, as well as their related purposes and benefits.
| Exercise | Purpose | Benefits for Fibromyalgia |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle Aerobic Walking | Increases circulation and stamina | Reduces pain and fatigue |
| Stretching Routines | Enhances flexibility and range | Eases muscle stiffness |
| Swimming | Provides low-impact full-body motion | Minimises joint stress and improves tone |
| Clinical Pilates | Builds core strength and posture | Supports muscle control and balance |
| Tai Chi | Combines movement and mindfulness | Lowers stress and boosts energy |
| Stationary Cycling | Improves cardiovascular health | Aids endurance without strain |
| Resistance Band Work | Strengthens muscles with control | Reduces muscle weakness |
| Yoga | Promotes gentle movement and breath | Relieves tension and supports relaxation |
What are the Benefits of Treating Fibromyalgia with Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps people with fibromyalgia by reducing pain and tiredness, making muscles less stiff, and taking pressure off the joints. It also improves muscle strength and balance, helps you build endurance without overworking your body, and supports overall relaxation. Plus, it can ease stress and give you more energy to get through the day.
How does Physiotherapy Compare to Other Treatments for Fibromyalgia?
Physiotherapy uniquely targets the root of fibromyalgia by retraining the nervous system, while other treatments mainly offer temporary symptom relief. Alone, these alternatives lack the lasting, full-body benefits that physiotherapy provides.
Other treatments for fibromyalgia include:
- Occupational therapy
- Medication
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Acupuncture
- Dry needling
- Massage therapy
- Diet and lifestyle
Many common treatments only deal with the symptoms instead of fixing why the body feels more pain than it should. So, here’s a quick reference to show you other treatments for fibromyalgia and how they compare to physiotherapy.
While these treatments work well in tandem with physiotherapy, on their own, they can be insufficient:
| Treatment Type | Approach | Common Benefits | Key Differences from Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy | Daily task adaptation and support | Increases independence, reduces strain | Focuses on function in daily life, not physical conditioning |
| Medication | Prescription drugs | Eases pain, reduces inflammation, improves sleep | May cause side effects and does not improve fitness |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | Psychological support | Manages stress, improves coping, reduces anxiety | Targets mental well-being, not physical function |
| Acupuncture | Needle stimulation at pressure points | Relieves pain, enhances relaxation | Alternative technique with variable results |
| Massage Therapy | Hands-on soft tissue manipulation | Lowers tension, eases soreness, aids relaxation | Passive treatment, no strengthening effect |
| Diet and Lifestyle Changes | Nutrition and activity adjustments | Supports overall health, improves energy | Complements physiotherapy, but less structured |
How does Physiotherapy Address the Psychological Aspects of Fibromyalgia?
Physiotherapy addresses the psychological aspects of fibromyalgia through pain education, graded exercise therapy, and mind-body techniques. This helps you understand your condition and build confidence. Align HC also teaches pacing strategies and goal-setting while offering social support. This integrated approach helps you develop self-management skills and improves your quality of life while reducing pain-related fear and anxiety.
Speak to us about a tailored physiotherapy routine to help you manage the symptoms and underlying issues of fibromyalgia.
Physio for Fibromyalgia FAQs
Is aquatic therapy effective for fibromyalgia management?
Aquatic therapy is highly effective for fibromyalgia management, offering unique benefits through water’s buoyancy and resistance. The warm, supportive environment reduces pressure on painful joints whilst providing gentle resistance for strengthening exercises. Australian research indicates that regular aquatic therapy sessions can significantly improve pain levels, sleep quality, physical function, and overall well-being for fibromyalgia patients.
Can tai chi be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients?
Tai chi is remarkably beneficial for fibromyalgia patients, offering a gentle, meditative form of exercise that combines flowing movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. Clinical studies, including research from Australian universities, demonstrate that practising tai chi regularly can reduce pain, fatigue, and stiffness.
What lifestyle changes are recommended alongside physiotherapy for fibromyalgia?
Several lifestyle changes are recommended for effective fibromyalgia management, including establishing consistent sleep patterns, stress reduction techniques, and anti-inflammatory dietary modifications. Australian pain clinicians particularly emphasise the importance of pacing daily activities to prevent symptom flares, incorporating gentle exercise like walking or swimming, and maintaining social connections to combat isolation.
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