What Causes Fibromyalgia and How Physiotherapy Can Help?

Pain or tenderness in different body areas, general fatigue, sleep issues, and cognitive disturbances – these symptoms often add up to fibromyalgia syndrome. People with this condition have increased sensitivity to things that are generally not unpleasant or painful. They have ‘regions of pain’ that patients describe as a persistent dull ache. Although it’s considered one of the most common chronic pain conditions, healthcare providers still have a lot to learn about its causes.

Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms mimic other illnesses such as hypothyroidism, metabolic insufficiencies, rheumatic disease, myofascial pain syndrome, and parasite infestations. According to specific guidelines, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made by exclusion. Doctors will usually rely on a patient’s presenting symptoms to rule out other conditions before prescribing medications or initiating manual therapy.

From Pain to Progress: How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Fibromyalgia

Brain scans of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia show inflammation in the brain, with the pain nerves inflamed and irritated. However, many researchers believe that several factors may increase a person’s chance of developing fibromyalgia.

• Abnormal pain signalling – Likely, the nervous system does not process pain signals the usual way, making an individual more sensitive to pain.
• Hormone imbalances – Lower levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the nervous system can disrupt pain signals and increase pain sensitivity.
• Genetics – Scientists also speculate that fibromyalgia can run in families. There may be an unidentified genetic abnormality that increases a person’s risk for fibromyalgia.
• Triggers – Emotional or physical trauma, infections, and surgeries may trigger the onset of fibromyalgia in people who are already at risk.
• Sleep disturbances – Abnormal sleep patterns can alter the levels of certain brain chemicals; therefore, experts are unsure whether they are just a symptom or a possible cause.

Living with fibromyalgia can be challenging. Fatigue and pain can be consistent enough to interfere with your daily routine. At this time, there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia. But there are available treatments that focus on minimising symptoms and improving general health. Doctors use various treatment strategies to achieve a cumulative effect, including pain relievers, lifestyle changes, self-care techniques, and physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy center Dubai programs for fibromyalgia use specific stretching and strengthening exercises to help manage your pain, reduce fatigue, and improve your function and quality of life. People with this condition are often caught in a vicious cycle – pain prevents them from being active, but inactivity can trigger more pain and fatigue. Physiotherapists consider your pain and fatigue levels and develop tailored exercises to meet your specific needs. They document your progress and gauge whether your posture, alignment, and movement patterns are appropriate.

If you need help managing your fibromyalgia symptoms, consult with the experts at Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center DMCC. They will design a program tailored to you, with the goal of not only improving your fitness but also enhancing your quality of life. They offer a wide range of physiotherapy specialities, including manual lymphatic drainage, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, and more. Contact +971 4 551 6126 to schedule an appointment.