Rehabilitex, Inc. | Fibromyalgia Treatment

Fibromyalgia Overview

A syndrome of soft tissue rheumatism characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, constant fatigue, sleeplessness and low grade depression.
FMS is not arthritis. Most complaints are with wide spread pain that originate from the muscles and their attachments.
Patients feel their pain originate in the bone (“arthritic like” complaints). However, studies have found that this is not arthritis pain; this is symptoms from functional activities and ADL’s or over compensation on already shortened tissues.
90% are woman age from 20 to 60 and can develop as young as a child.
Affects 2% of the population — 6 million Americans.
Research over the past 15 years indicates that the problem involves an imbalance in the neurochemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter than controls your sensitivity to pain and sleep. This sends the messages from one brain cell to another and it creates a calming, anxiety reducing effect.
Scientist have found if patients with FMS have lack of sleep their Serotonin levels are off and they can develop these primary symptoms of FMS.

Predisposing Factors

Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Disease) — Characterized by spasms in the small blood vessels in the hands and feet. Can be triggered by extreme cold and/or emotional stress
- Look for discoloration (red, blue, white blotchy hands and feet)
- Complaints of extreme cold in the hands and feet
History of Traumatic Experience (physical/emotional)
Stress and/or Depression
Magnesium, Phosphate, Substrate, Oxygen Deficiency
Biological Disruption of Energy Production
Chronic Fatigue.
Low Levels of Growth Hormone
Disruption of restful sleep.

Primary Signs/Symptoms

Muscular aches and pain
Fatigue
Morning Stiffness
Skin Discoloration/Cold Hands/Feet
The presence of 11 of the common 18 Trigger Points
Sleep Disturbance
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Anxiety
Difficulty in Concentration
Depression
Subjective Swelling
Numbness and Tingling (Parasthesias) in all 4 limbs
Headaches /Migraines (most predominant symptom)
- Sympathetic Nervous System Response
- C2–C3 involvement

Secondary Signs/Symptoms

Chest Pain
Cognitive Memory Impairment
Premenstrual Syndrome
Muscle Twitching
Vision Disturbance
Dizziness/Vertigo
Impaired Coordination/Balance
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

How Physicians Diagnose FMS

Rule out other diagnosis via special tests & blood work.
Comprehensive Patient/Family History.
Comprehensive Neurological Screening
Demonstration of wide spread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum of three months.
Positive sensitivity to 11 out of 18 Trigger Points @ specific locations in the muscles of the body.

Traditional Treatments of FMS

Muscle Relaxers, Pain MEDS, Sleeping Pills.
Passive Modalities (TENs / HP / CP)
Trigger Point Injections with Lidocaine
Acupressure/Acupuncture
Osteopathic Manipulation
Therapeutic Massage
Breathing Exercises
Muscle Relaxation
Counseling
Physical Therapy
- ROM / Flexibility HEP.
- Strength Training
- Aquatic Physical Therapy.
- Conditioning Program.
- Posture Training & Back School.
- Patient Education.
- NMT / Relaxation Training
- Modalities (as needed)

FYI

Studies indicate people with FMS need to be on a full fitness program for at least three months before they show gains. This will promote good relaxation, good nutrition, stress management and restful sleep, which increases your Seratonin levels.

What you should expect from Physical Therapy

To learn a self help home exercise program, with close monitoring by your therapist as your tour guide.
To learn (if possible) how to self manage the mechanical symptoms you experience.
To learn relaxation & breathing techniques to promote health and wellness.
To learn proper body mechanics, ideal posture, and improve overall total body awareness.
To learn how to safely self progress your home exercise program, help you recognize your limitations, and positively focus on your ability (not disability).

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