And the Best Form of Physical Therapy for this Neurological Disorder

Sometimes, cells can carry far more pain signals than normal. Minor bumps and bruises might be unusually painful, and people can experience pain all over even when not injured. This pain will often feel long-lasting or permanent. If you experience this, you may have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (fai-bro-my-al-juh) is a very common disorder with over 3 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. every year — and yet, the cause is surprisingly obscure. Doctors suspect that it’s caused by a variety of factors working together, such as genetics, infections, PTSD, gender (women are more susceptible), not moving enough, anxiety and depression, and physical or emotional trauma.

Worse yet, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia can take up to three months; there are no labs that can easily confirm it. Instead, doctors often have to take a variety of tests, such as blood tests, to ensure no underlying condition could be causing the pain. Other diagnostic criteria include fatigue (waking up tired, having trouble thinking).
Currently, the disorder has no cure, but lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medication can help alleviate symptoms. Patients with fibromyalgia are often prescribed proper sleep and exercise. Medication, such as pain relievers, antidepressants, and antiseizure drugs, are sometimes prescribed as well to treat fibromyalgia. One easy way to get exercise and relief is through aquatic physical therapy.

Any water-based therapy, such as aquatic physical therapy or flotation therapy, has been shown to provide relief to these patients. Flotation therapy is stationary soaking in salt-dense water, and aquatic physical therapy exercises the patient’s body through the water. While both are effective, aquatic physical therapy offers more long-term effects on a patient’s health than just temporary relaxation, such as increased energy and better sleep. The buoyancy of water also reduces the impact of land-based movement. In Motion O.C. offers an indoor pool at a perfect 92-degree temperature for its patients.
If you or a loved one suffer from fibromyalgia, please consider giving our offices a call. We can help reduce your pain with every session.