Understanding Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue. While the exact cause is unknown, it is associated with heightened pain sensitivity and disruptions in the way the nervous system processes signals which can be affected by more broad systems such as the endocrine and immune system and is correlated with those who have had highly stressful and traumatic past life events.
Symptoms include: Widespread pain in muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Fibromyalgia can also present with specific joint stiffness and cognitive difficulties (commonly referred to as "fibro fog"), and thus the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made on a case-by-case basis and sometimes we need to clear other conditions out to rule fibromyalgia in.
Management Strategies for Fibromyalgia may include one or more of these key themes:
Exercise and Physical Activity:
- Regular, low-impact exercises can improve flexibility and reduce pain and lead to more challenging activities over time. However, with a Physiotherapist in your team, you can successfully progress to higher impact exercises over time with home exercise programs, attending OHL Group Physio classes and/or joining a local exercise facility like a gym. Precise, mindful, progressive, individualised exercise is one of the golden interventions for Fibromyalgia!
Pain Management:
- Medications: Work closely with your GP or Pain specialist to explore medications that can help manage pain and improve sleep.
- Physiotherapy to assist with manual treatment for relief and guiding therapeutic exercise.
Sleep Hygiene:
- Establish a consistent sleep routine.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment.
- Limit caffeine and electronic device use before bedtime.
Stress Reduction:
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.
- Identify and manage stress triggers.
- Ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Nutrition:
- Maintain a balanced diet to support overall health, which can be assisted greatly with consultation with an OHL Dietitian.
- Stay hydrated.
Communication with Healthcare Providers:
- Regularly communicate with your healthcare team to: Adjust treatment plans, discuss new symptoms and address any concerns or questions.
- Setting Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals for daily activities and exercise, considering your current capabilities and energy levels. Gradual progress is key.
Supportive Therapies:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): Can help manage the emotional impact of fibromyalgia and improve coping strategies which can be implemented with a psychologist.
- Support Groups: Connect with others facing similar challenges for mutual support.
Managing fibromyalgia involves a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Collaborate with your healthcare team to tailor a comprehensive management plan that suits your individual needs. Our OHL team would recommend you start with an OHL Physiotherapist and together you’ll make a suitable plan for your optimal Fibromyalgia care, and make relevant referrals in due course. You can book by calling 9431 5955 or booking via our Client Portal on our website, and we recommend you book an extended consultation for 45minutes or 60minutes (if your energy allows) for a more thorough initial consultation to time place. We look forward to supporting you soon!
