According to the APTA, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread musculoskeletal pain, causing muscle stiffness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances in an estimated 5 million people. Friday, May 12th is recognized as World Fibromyalgia Day to raise awareness and educate the public on methods for handling and living with this condition.
Physical Therapists work to increase overall quality of life through education, aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening techniques. Symptoms may be managed-or even decreased-by reducing body mass index and improving joint motion. Techniques Physical Therapists may use include meditation, biofeedback, and manual therapy.
“Physical Therapists must remind patients with fibromyalgia that there are several assistive techniques that can improve their symptoms and increase their confidence in dealing with their condition” says Sarah Flanagan, DPT class of 2019 student, at the USF Health School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.