Posted by TENA/ DIAMOND on 1/11/2009, 3:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Fibromyalgia#7"
Maintaining a sleep environment that is quiet, free from distractions such as TV and of comfortable room temperature
In some cases, sleep medications may be helpful, particularly when sleep is disturbed by aggravating conditions such as restless leg syndrome.
Many other therapies may be used in the treatment of fibromyalgia. It is important to find therapists specially trained and educated for working with fibromyalgia. A physician may be able to recommend a qualified therapist. Not all therapies are equally efficient and what works for one patient may not work for another. Treatments that have demonstrated benefits for patients with fibromyalgia include:
Manipulation therapy. For example, massage that progresses slowly during deep muscle work produces results that seem to last a considerable time. Another variation, myofascial release, involves working on tight, contracted muscles and trigger points to release or stretch out the problem areas. Although fibromyalgia is not spinal, some patients have reported that proper chiropractic care by therapists specially trained to work with fibromyalgia helps reduce pain.
Relaxation techniques. Relaxation may be employed to manage pain and stress. Deep breathing, visual imagery and relaxing audio may be used as effective tools for relaxation.
Physical therapy. Physical therapists can give instruction in exercise and supply pain-relieving modalities such as heat therapy.
Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists can offer instruction in conserving energy, simplifying tasks, modifying the home and using adaptive equipment.
Acupressure. Pressure is used on target points of the body to control symptoms.
Acupuncture. Needles are inserted into target points of the body to provide pain relief and improve sleep patterns. Controversy remains as to the effectiveness of the use of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia, but some studies show significant beneficial results.
Cryotherapy (cold therapy). Cold therapy is used for chronic pain to increase the pain threshold. Too much cold can cause nerve damage.
Thermotherapy (heat therapy). Heat therapy is usually practiced in rehabilitation to relieve joint stiffness. Moist heat penetrates deeper into the muscle and offers more relaxation than dry heat. Too much heat can cause burns. Heat should not be used on sensitive skin or when using analgesics.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment helps individuals change the way they view and think about pain to increase their ability to positively deal with illness. The concept used is that individualsą perceptions of themselves and their surroundings affect their emotions and behavior.
Biofeedback. Information about typically unconscious bodily functions (e.g., muscle tension and blood pressure) is used to help gain conscious control over those functions. Electrodes are placed on the muscles to identify which are in use. People can then try to consciously lower muscle tension in that area.
Injection therapy. Physicians may inject medication into tender points to offer pain relief. These injections are used only when one specific area remains painful and offer only temporary relief. The injection of lidocaine has been shown to reduce pain and improve mood for up to a few days, but the injection of local anesthetics and corticosteroids have shown no proven benefit over injecting local anesthetics alone.
Spray and stretch technique. Therapists spray a muscle with a topical anesthetic to numb the area and then stretch out the painful, contracted muscle to reduce pain and stiffness. Many therapists use ice instead of the spray, since the spray is costly and ice works just as effectively.
Stress management. Individuals use stress management techniques to reduce stress. Stress may aggravate symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis may be used to induce a trance-like state of altered awareness and perception during which there may be heightened responsiveness to suggestions to manage stress, induce deep relaxation and reduce muscle pain.
Magnet therapy. Some individuals use magnets to try to increase blood flow and help symptoms. Although this is one of the most widely used complementary treatments, studies have shown no real benefit.
Patients are advised to consult their physician before considering any complementary or alternative therapy.
Many fibromyalgia patients have trouble coping with their disorder. There are many means to help an individual cope with fibromyalgia or any other chronic illness. Psychological counseling may also help. Fibromyalgia support groups can provide important information, encouragement and positive feelings.
TENA/DIAMOND
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