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Fibromyalgia: Could It Be Affecting You?
By: Megan Hill, SPT and Natasha Ratajczak, DPT
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is often seen by the physical therapists of Comprehensive Therapy Services. It is characterized by widespread bodily pain that is associated with many symptoms and other disorders.4 Related symptoms of fibromyalgia include sleep deprivation, general fatigue, cognitive dysfunctions, depression, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, irritable bowel and bladder syndromes.4
Increased pain created by fibromyalgia is thought to be due to a problem with pain processing in the central nervous system. Genetics is linked to fibromyalgia with increased incidence; when a first blood relative is diagnosed, the patient has an 8x higher chance of also developing the condition.
Other common causes of fibromyalgia are environmental stressors such as physical trauma, particular infections (ex: hepatitis C and Lyme disease) and high emotional stress.4
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Management using Pilates
Pilates, which is staple at Comprehensive Therapy Services, combines Eastern and Western philosophies to improve flexibility, posture, breathing and strength with an emphasis on core strength.1 One particular pilot study compared Pilates to a relaxation/stretching home program. The researchers found that after 12 weeks, the Pilates group had decreased pain, which may be attributed to an increase in body control and awareness and decreased energy requirements.1 However, it was found that subjects did not retain the benefits of Pilates 3 months after they stopped, leading to the conclusion that a sustained Pilates program is beneficial for pain management in fibromyalgia patients.1
Management using TENS in conjunction with Aerobic and Stretching Exercises
TENS, which is a common treatment option at Comprehensive Therapy Services as well, has been proven effective in the management of pain. Researchers have found that high-frequency, low-intensity TENS in conjunction with aerobic and stretching exercises was effective in managing pain, anxiety and stiffness in patients with fibromyalgia.3
Strength vs. Aerobic exercise for managing Fibromyalgia
Patients suffering from fibromyalgia may find it harder to exercise due to pain experienced during or after, leading to decreased muscle strength and endurance.2 Exercise in moderation has shown to improve fibromyalgia symptoms by decreasing tender point count, increasing physical fitness, psychological status and quality of life.
If you have several of the symptoms listed above, please make an appointment with your physician for a proper diagnosis. We look forward here at Comprehensive Therapy Services to help you get your fatigue, chronic pain and other symptoms under control and to help you better understand your diagnosis!
References
1) Altan L, Korkmaz N. Effects of Pilates Training on People With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Arch Physical Medicine and Rehabiliatation. Dec 2009; 90: 1983-1988.
2) Bircan C, Karasel S. Effects of Muscle Strengthening Versus Aerobic Exercise Program in Fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int. 2008; 28: 527-532.
3) Carbonario F, Matsutani LA. Effectiveness of High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at Tender Points as Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with Fibromyalgia. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2013; 49: 197-204.
4) Clauw, Daniel J MD. Fibromyalgia: An Overview. The American Journal of Medicine. 2009; 122: S3-S13.
5) Shaver, Joan L. Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Women. The Nursing Clinics of North America. 2004; 39: 195-204.
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Acupuncture for Women's Health
By: Sarah Knaup, L.Ac Acupun cture is a safe, effective treatment that is used to promote female health. It is beneficial in a variety of ways and often enhances a woman's overall health. Menstrual difficulties are effectively treated with acupuncture. It is also aids in increasing fertility and as support for a mother-to-be during the course of her pregnancy. After childbirth, acupuncture can facilitate healing and restoration of the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, disposable sterile needles at strategic points along a meridian or pathway. Acupuncture points are located in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. According to Traditional Chinese medicine, inserting acupuncture needles helps control the flow of qi, (pronounced chee), a vital energy force. The insertion of needles encourages the body's own natural healing abilities. In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.
Acupuncture affects a woman's menstrual cycle by reducing stress, balancing emotions, resolving bloating, headaches and pain, and regulates the hormones by affecting the HPO Axis. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of gynecological complaints including: polycystic ovarian syndrome, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and headaches induced by hormonal fluctuations.
Acupuncture is used as an alternative way of treating fertility problems and is often seen as a complementary therapy to modern fertility treatments. Acupuncture aids in the blood flow to the reproductive organs and stabilizes hormone levels. This in turn will increase ovarian function in women as well as sperm production in men. Researchers from Wiell Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to: normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, regulate the menstrual cycle, and increase blood flow to the uterus.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective modality to support a healthy pregnancy. It has many practical applications for difficulties that occur during each stage of pregnancy. During the 1st trimester a woman might experience morning sickness, vomiting and headaches. During her 2nd trimester typical problems might include heartburn, sleeping problems and edema. Reaching the 3rd trimester, a patient might struggle with sciatica, hip pain, low back and joint pain, or a breech baby. Acupuncture has been shown to effectively ease the discomfort that results from these issues.
Acupuncture is a powerful tool that can effectively improve a woman's gynecological and reproductive health. When used in conjunction with positive health care practices, it can add the right amount of balance to a woman's health care regimen that can lead to a healthier, happier life.
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