Naturally Reducing Fibromyalgia Pain With Exercise and Physical Therapy
Not only can water exercise help reduce the pain caused by Fibromyalgia, regular exercise can reduce Fibromyalgia pain naturally as well. However, doing exercise with a videotape is not generally a good idea for individuals who suffer from Fibromyalgia because these tapes are made for individuals who do not suffer with the condition. Rather, the best way to set up an exercise routine your body can tolerate is to work with a physical therapist. In this post, I will explain why working with a physical therapist is a good idea for individuals with Fibromyalgia, what techniques a physical therapist might use, and things you should consider when look9ing for a physical therapist.
Why Physical Therapy?
When the muscles are unconditioned, regular exercise, such as exercising with an exercise video or DVD can actually be harmful to you. In fact, trying to exercise with a video or DVD will likely make you hurt more, not less, and may discourage you from continuing to exercise. A physical therapist can show you exercises you can safely do and will help reduce your pain.
Physical Therapy Techniques
It’s likely that a physical therapist who works with individuals who have Fibromyalgia will utilize different types of methods to help you recondition your muscles and create your exercise program. These methods include:
- Passive exercise
- Stabilization training
- Sensory motor training
First, passive exercise decreases tension in muscle fascia, helps recondition muscles, and aids in lengthening and moving short, stiff muscles. Passive exercise includes manual manipulation, heat therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage.
Second, stabilization training aids in reconditioning muscles by working deeper muscles. Finally, sensory motor training teaches muscles and nerves how to communicate, which helps prevent injury by getting muscles to react against it.
What Makes a Good Physical Therapist?
When you are looking for a physical therapist, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, you will likely need a referral to a physical therapist from your doctor if you have insurance. Getting recommendations from your doctor for a good physical therapist is a good place to start.
Before you agree to work with a particular physical therapist, I suggest you interview him or her and ask several questions. The best physical therapists for individuals who suffer from Fibromyalgia will have qualities such as these:
- One who understands Fibromyalgia
- One who has knowledge of and experience in managing clients with chronic pain
- One who is empathetic
- One who will design a unique exercise program to meet your specific needs
- Will work with you in sessions rather than work with a group of people
- Who will support you and offer encouragement
- Communicates well
It is ideal to spend at least three months with a physical therapist in order to recondition your muscles and to create your unique exercise program. Be sure to communicate with your physical therapist about what is working for you and what hurts your body.
Physical therapy is a great way to start reducing your Fibromyalgia pain naturally through exercise.
Information to write this post was obtained from the book New Hope for People With Fibromyalgia by Theresa Foy DiGeronimo.
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