Fibromyalgia
FAQs
1. Is there a cure for fibromyalgia (FMS)? Do some people recover from it?
Since fibromyalgia is a syndrome (a set of symptoms) there really isn’t a disease to “cure.” Some of the symptoms, such as the number of tender points, tend to stay the same over time, while others – such as pain and how much it interferes with your life – can certainly improve. The focus of treatment for people with fibromyalgia should be on improving their ability to function in their everyday life, not on “fixing” specific symptoms.
2. Is fibromyalgia the same thing as chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is a lot of overlap in the symptoms that define FMS and chronic fatigue syndrome, but most physicians feel they are not the same thing. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have fatigue as their most prominent symptom, but can also have pain similar to those with fibromyalgia, just usually not as widespread. People with FMS have pain as their primary symptom, but they usually have fatigue to some degree as well.
3. I tried exercising to help my fibromyalgia, but my symptoms got worse. Why?
You may have exercised too much. Over-training can make FMS symptoms worse and cause you to feel discouraged. Aerobic exercise is actually one of the best treatments for FMS. Research results show that the right exercise program can decrease FMS symptoms and increase your ability to do normal daily activities. However, a person with FMS cannot start the same type of exercise program that healthy people can. Patients with FMS should begin a training program in a slow, gradual way.
It is best to work with a physical therapist to develop a training program that will prevent your FMS symptoms from getting worse. Even with the right workout or training plan, you may feel like your FMS symptoms are worse – in the beginning. But following a regular program of exercise can make you feel better over time. A physical therapist can make sure you get the right type and amount of exercise. The therapist will know how to adjust your program around pain flare-ups and as your FMS symptoms change from day-to-day.
4. How is FMS similar to hypermobility syndrome?
People who have hypermobility were born with very loose joints. They are often referred to as “double-jointed.” Some people with hypermobility have no problems with their loose joints (benign hypermobility), while others develop hypermobility syndrome. Hypermobility syndrome may result in the muscles tightening around joints that are too loose in order to make them more stable. This tightening seems to be a natural instinct – a “robbing Peter to pay Paul” response by the body to protect itself. Although hypermobility syndrome follows a natural protective pattern, it leads to tight muscles, pain and other symptoms that are similar to FMS. An experienced physical therapist can give you more information about the similarities between FMS and hypermobility syndrome.
5. What is the difference between working with a physical therapist (PT) and an athletic trainer?
The aerobic exercises that you choose should depend on your FMS and any other medical problems you have. A PT will have a better understanding of your medical history than an athletic trainer will. A PT can set up and adapt an exercise program to fit your medical condition and needs. While most athletic trainers are skilled at designing exercise program for the average healthy person, a PT is the wiser choice for a person with FMS, at least initially.
Since fibromyalgia is a syndrome (a set of symptoms) there really isn’t a disease to “cure.” Some of the symptoms, such as the number of tender points, tend to stay the same over time, while others – such as pain and how much it interferes with your life – can certainly improve. The focus of treatment for people with fibromyalgia should be on improving their ability to function in their everyday life, not on “fixing” specific symptoms.
2. Is fibromyalgia the same thing as chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is a lot of overlap in the symptoms that define FMS and chronic fatigue syndrome, but most physicians feel they are not the same thing. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have fatigue as their most prominent symptom, but can also have pain similar to those with fibromyalgia, just usually not as widespread. People with FMS have pain as their primary symptom, but they usually have fatigue to some degree as well.
3. I tried exercising to help my fibromyalgia, but my symptoms got worse. Why?
You may have exercised too much. Over-training can make FMS symptoms worse and cause you to feel discouraged. Aerobic exercise is actually one of the best treatments for FMS. Research results show that the right exercise program can decrease FMS symptoms and increase your ability to do normal daily activities. However, a person with FMS cannot start the same type of exercise program that healthy people can. Patients with FMS should begin a training program in a slow, gradual way.
It is best to work with a physical therapist to develop a training program that will prevent your FMS symptoms from getting worse. Even with the right workout or training plan, you may feel like your FMS symptoms are worse – in the beginning. But following a regular program of exercise can make you feel better over time. A physical therapist can make sure you get the right type and amount of exercise. The therapist will know how to adjust your program around pain flare-ups and as your FMS symptoms change from day-to-day.
4. How is FMS similar to hypermobility syndrome?
People who have hypermobility were born with very loose joints. They are often referred to as “double-jointed.” Some people with hypermobility have no problems with their loose joints (benign hypermobility), while others develop hypermobility syndrome. Hypermobility syndrome may result in the muscles tightening around joints that are too loose in order to make them more stable. This tightening seems to be a natural instinct – a “robbing Peter to pay Paul” response by the body to protect itself. Although hypermobility syndrome follows a natural protective pattern, it leads to tight muscles, pain and other symptoms that are similar to FMS. An experienced physical therapist can give you more information about the similarities between FMS and hypermobility syndrome.
5. What is the difference between working with a physical therapist (PT) and an athletic trainer?
The aerobic exercises that you choose should depend on your FMS and any other medical problems you have. A PT will have a better understanding of your medical history than an athletic trainer will. A PT can set up and adapt an exercise program to fit your medical condition and needs. While most athletic trainers are skilled at designing exercise program for the average healthy person, a PT is the wiser choice for a person with FMS, at least initially.