4 Physical therapy treatments for fibromyalgia

Physiotherapy is very important in the treatment of fibromyalgia, it can help to control symptoms such as pain, fatigue and disorders of the sweat, and promote relaxation and increase muscle flexibility. Physiotherapy for fibromyalgia can be performed 2 to 4 times a week, and the treatment should focus on relieving the symptoms that the person presents.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness and its treatment is generally carried out with medications prescribed by a rheumatologist or neurologist, in addition to carrying out physiotherapy sessions. However, there are other treatments that can also be performed, such as acupuncture, reflexology, skin therapy, aromatherapy and phytotherapy, which help to improve the quality of life of the patient suffering from fibromyalgia.

Learn more about the treatment of fibromyalgia.

The physiotherapeutic treatment for fibromyalgia can be carried out using the following procedures:

1. Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises help in the treatment of fibromyalgia because they promote relaxation and improve blood circulation, mobility and muscle flexibility.

An excellent stretching exercise for fibromyalgia is leaning against the top of the mouth and flexing the rods next to the neck, maintaining this position for around 30 seconds, and then flexing the rods in the right side while the head rotates with the brazo izquierdo, which should be be extended at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the body, maintaining this position around 30 seconds. The exercise must also be repeated for the other side.

2. Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic physiotherapy or water therapy, is a therapeutic activity that consists of carrying out exercises in a swimming pool with water at a temperature of around 34ºC, with the help of a physiotherapist.

The water allows the execution of exercises of greater amplitude, reducing the pain and fatigue and improving the quality of the sueño. With this technique, it is possible to strengthen the muscles, increase the amplitude of the joints, improve cardiorespiratory functioning and blood circulation and reduce pain and stress.

Learn more about hydrotherapy.

3. Massages

Massages can also help in the treatment of fibromyalgia, when they are well performed, promote muscle relaxation, improve the heat of the skin, combat fatigue and reduce pain.

4. Electrotherapy Devices

Electrotherapy devices, such as TENS or bioretroalimentación (biofeedback)can be used to reduce pain in the painful points of fibromyalgia and improve circulation.

Watch the following video and also learn how to do exercises to feel better:

When apart from physical therapy, the patient performs walking, Pilates, swimming or riding a bicycle, the results are even better because these exercises favor good cardiorespiratory functioning, reduce pain, improve the heat of the sweat and strengthen the muscles, fighting fatigue and it’s tired.