Looking for fibromyalgia treatment options? Try physical therapy

A daily battle with pain. Having difficulty sleeping, and constantly walking around in a mental haze. These issues are some of the things that people with fibromyalgia are dealing with. 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects up to 12 million people in the U.S. About 90% of the people who suffer from it are women. If you or someone you know has fibromyalgia, you might be looking for fibromyalgia treatment options. Many treatments for this condition are available from a physical therapist. 

Three fibromyalgia treatment options a physical therapist can offer

Physical therapy specialists can offer personalized treatment plans for fibromyalgia. Such plans are typically constructed using multiple fibromyalgia treatment options. Three of the most effective of these options are: 

1. Therapeutic exercises — Many people think that moving less should help reduce their fibromyalgia pain. However, the opposite is often true. Physical therapists can include therapeutic exercises in your treatment plan. These exercises are designed to increase your flexibility and strength, which can help decrease pain. In fact, one medical study reveals that only 41.6% of patients who used therapeutic exercises were still taking pain medication by the end of the study. 

2. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — Applying pressure to painful areas can also help fibromyalgia patients. One technique that can do this is IASTM. It involves therapists using specially designed metal tools to apply pressure to the affected area. Medical researchers in one study showed that IASTM helped reduce back and lower limb pain by 40% in fibromyalgia patients. 

3. Soft tissue mobilization — This technique is a type of manual therapy. It’s similar to IASTM, except therapists use their hands to apply therapeutic pressure to the body. In fibromyalgia patients, soft tissue mobilization (STM) can be extremely effective. One study on STM for fibromyalgia reports that 85% of patients who had it reported fewer aches and pain afterward. 

Find effective treatment options for fibromyalgia at Armor Physical Therapy

Don’t know where to turn for effective fibromyalgia treatment options? Look no further than our Armor Physical Therapy team. We offer free screenings designed to reveal exactly how fibromyalgia is affecting you. Using this information, our therapists can build you an effective individualized treatment plan. 

Not willing to risk exposing yourself to COVID-19? Our team understands completely. That’s why we’re currently offering virtual care and at-home therapy appointments. Both of these options allow you to get the therapy you need without leaving home. Additionally, you can use any of our services without first obtaining a referral from your doctor. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can help treat fibromyalgia or to schedule your initial appointment.