Your Trusted, In-Network PT Provider

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Physical Therapy Strategies for Managing Fibromyalgia Pain

Home News & Videos JAG Physical Therapy Blog Physical Therapy Strategies for Managing Fibromyalgia Pain

One of the most common severe chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia affects the muscles and connective tissue but also many other body systems. There is no identified cause, and patients with fibromyalgia tend to have pain spread throughout the body, fatigue, and an inability to be refreshed by sleep. All of these symptoms profoundly worsen quality of life, so people with this condition need, and deserve, relief through effective treatment. And some of the most recommended strategies for managing fibromyalgia symptoms are guided exercise and manual therapy.

At JAG PT, the top name in physical therapy throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, we have a great deal of experience helping patients with chronic pain lessen their symptoms and live better. Our compassionate and skilled team will work with you to develop a treatment plan built for your needs and your lifestyle. Schedule an appointment now to get started with non-pharmaceutical pain relief or see more below on PT-based fibromyalgia treatment options.

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Fibromyalgia Pain?

As mentioned, fibromyalgia symptoms can be extremely diffuse, and when the location of pain is essentially the whole body, it can be difficult to know where to start. Therefore, when treating fibromyalgia, a physical therapist should take a multifaceted approach, listen well to patient concerns and descriptions of symptoms, and focus on the ability to do daily activities.

Manual therapy techniques, including deep tissue massage, reflexology, heat therapy, and others, can offer significant relief for the non-localized and exhausting pain of fibromyalgia. Carefully planned exercise routines and pain education help patients with fibromyalgia cope with symptoms day-to-day. And some patients choose complementary methods such as acupuncture to alleviate pain that can change in degree in quality.

What Are the Best Exercises for Fibromyalgia Relief?

With the persistence and potential severity of fibromyalgia pain, exercises used for this condition must be as effective as possible while also being low-impact enough to not exacerbate symptoms. Slow and gentle motion, controlled breathing, deep stretches, and strength training that emphasizes whole muscle group activation rather than ballistic movements are all helpful.

Since fibromyalgia pain can be felt across a wide area like the whole torso, back stretches and core strengthening exercises are recommended. In a physical therapy setting, aquatic therapy allows patients who have chronic pain to exercise more vigorously without the sensation of being weighed down, resulting in less fatigue. Ultimately, whatever your routine consists of, pacing yourself so that you can avoid overexertion and consistently do your exercises each day is crucial.

Can Manual Therapy Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain?

For treatment of fibromyalgia, the best results can be obtained by combining exercise-based methods with another major physical therapy modality: Manual therapy. People with chronic pain can benefit not only from training to move with less fatigue, but also from hands-on treatment addressing pain anywhere in the body as it arises. Massage therapy, for example, can improve circulation as well as directly helping with pain, and myofascial trigger point release can reduce sensitivity and stiffness in any of the major muscle groups.

Some patients may feel less achy and more energized with the application of heat and cold, and others might find they are able to use their limbs more effectively and get less fatigued thanks to manual joint mobilization. Everyone with a chronic pain condition experiences it differently, meaning the many techniques of manual therapy and paying attention to patient preferences are needed to make sure the treatment actually improves the patient’s quality of life.

What Lifestyle Adjustments Can Support Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia?

Besides developing an exercise routine meant for your condition, your physical therapist will advise you on related changes you can make that will help you live better with fibromyalgia. For example, more restful sleep may be possible through good sleep hygiene, like discontinuing screen use well before bed and adjusting bedroom temperature. Your PT may also recommend stress management techniques to reduce muscle tension and changes to your nutrition that could lower your overall degree of inflammation. Managing fibromyalgia symptoms every day can be challenging, but considering that every factor of your lifestyle could play a role in how you feel, making several small changes could have a big impact.

Get Personalized Fibromyalgia Pain Relief at JAG Physical Therapy

Fibromyalgia is an idiopathic form of chronic pain that unfortunately has no cure yet – so your treatment should focus on helping you live your best life. Physical therapy can let you find a level of whole-body relief as you go about your routine every day. The team at JAG Physical Therapy treats our patients with chronic conditions with the utmost empathy and expertise – schedule your appointment now to begin alleviating your pain and fatigue with your custom PT program.