Fibromyalgia is a condition affecting around 5 million people in the US. People generally experience pain and “stiffness” into their muscles; however, it tends to be widespread and not just affecting one muscle group. Joints and organs are not damaged through this disease, but the aches and fatigue can take its toll on activities of daily living.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Fibromyalgia are: Fatigue, Sleep issues, Anxiety or depression, tender points.
Who is at risk?
Women are 10 times more likely to develop Fibromyalgia than men. Women between the age of 25-60 are at the highest risk of developing this disease although no direct cause has been found researchers suspect genetics to play a role in its manifestation.
How Fibromyalgia is diagnosed
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on a assessment of symptoms and 18 specific tender points. You must demonstrate 11 out of 18 of these tender points in order to confirm this diagnosis. There are no lab tests for Fibromyalgia, but your doctor may want to perform some tests in order to rule out other diagnoses.
How do you treat Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can be treated through medication; however, it has been written in the literature that low-level exercise is very beneficial. It is important to remember that too much exercise can have an opposite effect on a person’s body so it is good to seek out help through a medical professional such as a physical therapist. A physical therapist will be able to listen to your concerns and symptoms and help you develop a daily routine to accomplish your long-term goals.
For more information regarding Fibromyalgia and other related disorders please visit http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/slideshow-fibromyalgia-overview
And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.
William Milhizer, DPT, PT
This week I wanted to post an article on a research project involving the Nintendo Wii Fit Board at Rice University. As you know from reading our blog we like to utilize and adapt video game technology for therapeutic purposes. With Nintendo announcing this week that they will release a new video game system early next year there is a lot of excitement over what 'adaptions' will be possible with the new system once the specifications are released at the E3 gaming conference this June. 
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