Fibromyalgia is a descriptive term for a condition in which patients complain of widespread muscle and joint pain, stiffness and fatigue.
The cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown; no pathology has been found in the ‘tender spots’. It has been suggested that this is an abnormality of ‘sensory processing’, which is perhaps another way of saying that the sufferers have a ‘low pain threshold’, in fact they often do display increased sensitivity to pain in other parts of the body.
There are also suggestions that the condition is related to stress responses which can be activated by sudden accidents or traumatic life events.
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, the condition can be managed using a variety of measures. Optimal management requires cooperation between the patient and various treatment providers.
In mild cases, treatment can be limited to exercise, rest and sleep, stress reduction, physiotherapy or osteopathy.
Patients with more persistent and more disturbing symptoms may benefit from various types of psychotherapy.
Gentle osteopathic treatment can help to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Issues surrounding muscle tension can be reduced through careful therapy, whilst joint mobility can be improved with a carefully implemented treatment plan including manipulation and massage. Because of the hands on treatment techniques, osteopaths can easily identify tender points around the body, and other fibromyalgia signs.
Tailored to the individual needs of each patient, an osteopath can help to ease many of fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly fatigue, muscle pain, and chronic headaches.
When accurately performed, osteopathic treatment can help sufferers of fibromyalgia to gain increased flexibility and range of motion and relieve joint pain.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific case, please telephone the practice on 021 880 522.
