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Next Back Class Starts 2nd February
Our Back Classes are the ideal way of finding out how to improve the mobility and strength of your lower back, under the instruction of experienced, chartered physiotherapists, in a fun, group setting.
Just £50 for six sessions
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Christmas Massage Voucher Offer
For an alternative gift idea this Christmas, why not give a that special someone a Massage Gift Voucher. Prices start for as little as £10. Furthermore, there are seasonal offers available for purchasing additional vouchers
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fibromyalgia
Definition
The medical term Fibromyalgia or abbreviated to FM or FMS comes from an amalgam of Latin and Greek terms, Latin fibro-fibrous tissues, Greek myo-muscle and Greek algia-pain. So Fibromyalgia literally translates as muscle and connective tissue pain.
Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterised by chronic widespread pain and allodynia - (a heightened and painful response to pressure or touch, which would not normally be painful).
Symptoms
Symptoms are not restricted to pain, which is why the alternative term fibromyalgia syndrome FMS is often used to describe the condition. Other symptoms include fatigue, muscle spasms and weakness, sleep disturbance, joint stiffness, numbness and tingling, difficulty swallowing and bowel and bladder problems. It can also be coexistent with depression and anxiety, and problems with long and short term memory. Not all people with fibromyalgia will experience all these symptoms.
Causes
This disease is thought to effect 2-4% of the population with a female to male ratio of 9 to 1. Whilst the causes are still largely unknown, evidence from recent research has revealed abnormalities within the central nervous system affecting the brain regions which may be linked with symptoms. Some studies suggest that it may be caused by prolonged stress or childhood stress which may cause changes in the way the brain reacts to stimuli such as touch or pressure. Fibromyalgia has been recognised as a diagnosable disorder and is described as central sensitisation syndrome caused by neurobiological abnormalities which act to produce physical pain and cognitive impairments as well as psychological symptoms.
There is currently no known cure for Fibromyalgia, but some treatments have been shown to be useful in helping to relieve Fibromyalgia symptoms including medication, education, behavioural interventions and exercise ("Guidelines on the management of fibromyalgia syndrome - A systematic review". European journal of pain ). It is likely that a combination of treatments will be necessary to achieve a positive outcome with Fibromyalgia.
If you have similar symptoms which are not getting better, it is advisable to visit your doctor first, as the reason for your symptoms may be something completely different. Conversely a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia will help in directing the patient towards experts who can help them achieve the best outcome.
How can physiotherapy help?
Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist to help manage your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will take a thorough history of the symptoms you are experiencing and how it is affecting your life as a whole. This assessment will then allow us to provide help and support in the following ways:-
- advice about pacing everyday activities
- specific graded exercises to help you help yourself manage your physical symptoms
- pain-relief treatments such as acupuncture, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and massage where required
- general advice on increasing your activity level and avoiding exercise-related injuries
Within the clinic we are able to offer support with any psychological issues, anxiety or depression that you may be experiencing in relation to your fibromyalgia, with our psychotherapist Heather Kerry
See also:-
NHS Choices - Fibromyalgia
Massage Therapy Services
Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
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