Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition with widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep and trouble concentrating. Gentle, gradual exercise is one of its most useful treatments, and the key is starting low and learning to manage flares. Spine & Rehab Specialists works with people with fibromyalgia at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
Widespread pain, fatigue and fibro fog
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which the nervous system amplifies pain signals. People describe widespread pain in many parts of the body, deep fatigue, poor sleep and trouble concentrating, often called fibro fog. Symptoms can change from day to day, and it can be hard to trust your body.
For fibromyalgia treatment, fibromyalgia physical therapy focuses on calming the nervous system and improving overall function. We work with your doctor, who diagnoses and manages medications.
Why exercise with fibromyalgia is worth the effort
It sounds backward to move more when everything hurts. But inactivity usually makes pain, stiffness and fatigue worse. Fibromyalgia exercise works when it starts gently, at a level you can repeat even on a bad day, and grows slowly. Low-intensity aerobic work and gentle strengthening are the foundation.
Water helps many people. At our Physicians clinic, we use a heated aquatic therapy pool where the water supports your weight and warmth helps muscles relax, so movement is easier on joints. See aquatic therapy.
Starting low and managing a fibro flare
We build a plan with room for the days your symptoms rise.
Find your starting point
We choose an exercise level you can manage without paying for it for days afterward.
Build slowly
Time and effort go up in small steps only when your body is ready.
Plan for a flare
You learn what to do during a fibro flare: cut back, keep moving gently and return to your plan, rather than stopping completely.
What fibromyalgia sessions look like
Sessions are one-on-one and adjusted to how you feel that day. We may use:
- Gentle therapeutic exercise for strength and flexibility
- Gentle hands-on therapy to reduce tension and improve movement (see manual therapy)
- Education about pain, so you understand why you hurt
- Pacing and energy management, so you can plan your week
- A home program you can do in short blocks
Sleep, pacing and energy
Poor sleep and pain feed each other, so we talk about sleep routines and daily rhythm as part of therapy. Pacing means spreading activity through the day instead of doing everything on a good day and crashing after. For pain that is not widespread, see chronic pain. For joint pain and stiffness, see arthritis and joint pain.
Related care
Fibromyalgia care in El Paso, Texas
Start gently, at a pace that suits you. Call our Edgemere or Physicians clinic, or request an appointment. In many cases you do not need a referral in Texas, and we can help verify your insurance requirements before your first visit.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.