Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia brings widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep and fogginess, and gentle, gradual exercise is one of the most useful tools for managing it. Joint Effort Physical Therapy offers fibromyalgia physical therapy in Hot Springs, Arkansas, starting where you are.
What fibromyalgia is and how it feels
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition made up of a group of symptoms, rather than one disease, so fibromyalgia treatment is built around you. The exact cause is not clear, though some experts think an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the fight-or-flight system, plays a part. It often begins after a physical or emotional strain.
Common signs include widespread pain, tender areas, fatigue, disrupted sleep, mood changes, sensitivity to touch and trouble concentrating, often called fibro fog. Medication may help symptoms, but it does not rebuild fitness or function.
Why gentle exercise helps
Exercise with fibromyalgia sounds unwelcome when you hurt, so we make it small and steady.
Low-intensity aerobic work
Walking or recumbent stepping at an easy pace is a core part of fibromyalgia exercise and can build energy and sleep quality over time.
Gentle strengthening
Postural and muscle strengthening builds support so daily tasks cost less energy.
Pain education
Learning how a sensitive nervous system works makes pain less threatening and lets you move with more confidence.
Starting slowly and managing a fibro flare
A flare is a temporary rise in symptoms, and it is not a sign you did something wrong.
Start lower than you think you need to
We begin with a small dose of activity you can repeat on a bad day.
Increase gradually
Time or effort goes up a little at a time, never both at once.
Plan for flares
We agree in advance how to scale back, what to keep doing and when to resume.
Return to your level
After a flare settles, you step back up instead of starting over.
What a visit looks like
Your physical therapist examines your physical abilities, reviews your history and talks through your current symptoms to design a plan that fits you. Early visits may include gentle manual therapy and electrical stimulation to settle tender, tight areas.
As you tolerate more, care shifts toward active work: strengthening, range of motion and low-intensity cardiovascular exercise, with breathing and relaxation practice. Every visit is adjusted to how you feel that day.
Sleep, pacing and energy
Sleep
Regular activity, a steady schedule and relaxation practice can support sleep.
Pacing
Short bursts with rests beat pushing hard and crashing.
Energy
We help you choose what to spend energy on, and what can wait.
Related conditions
Fibromyalgia is one kind of long-lasting pain. For general persistent pain, see chronic pain. Joint aches that go along with it are covered under arthritis and joint pain.
Fibromyalgia care in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Joint Effort Physical Therapy treats Fibromyalgia at our Hot Springs clinic, 1880 Airport Rd., Suite C.
Not sure whether your plan needs a referral? Call us. As a courtesy, we verify your health benefits before you arrive.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.