Fibromyalgia is a common condition that has been diagnosed in an increasing number of people in the United Kingdom. Here we explain the symptoms of fibromyalgia and how osteopathic treatment can be used to ease them.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, sometimes referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a condition that causes muscular or musculoskeletal pain across the body, with sufferers experiencing severe stiffness and tenderness. It is a chronic, long term illness that requires careful treatment and pain management.
As well as widespread pain, symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Heightened sensitivity to pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Issues with memory and concentration
- Headache and migraines
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Who can be affected by fibromyalgia?
Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, although it is far more common in females, with approximately 7 times as many women suffering from the condition as men. Although the fibromyalgia can occur in people at any age, the condition typically develops between the ages of 30 and 50 years old.
Some estimates suggest that as many as one in twenty people could be in some way affected by the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
How can osteopathy help to treat fibromyalgia?
Gentle osteopathic treatment, when applied with other therapies and medication, can help to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Issues surrounding muscle tension can be reduced through careful therapy, whilst joint mobility can be improved with a carefully implemented treatment plan including manipulation and massage.
Tailored to the individual needs of each patient, an osteopath can work to ease many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, with particular success in helping to reduce the effects of fatigue, headaches and chronic muscle pain.
When accurately performed, osteopathic treatment can help sufferers of fibromyalgia to gain increased flexibility and range of motion and relieve joint pain.
Help is at hand
Here at the Solihull Osteopathic Practice we have great experience in diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia syndrome. We offer hands on treatment techniques they can easily identify tender points around the body, helping to ease the pain and discomfort commonplace in fibromyalgia sufferers.
If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website or contact our friendly team on 0121 705 4499.