Fibromyalgia

Equipoise Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy located in Fort Lee, NJ

Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain, difficulty sleeping, and debilitating fatigue. Dipty Mali, DPT, MBA, CKTP, leads a team of highly qualified and licensed physical therapists at Equipoise Physical Therapy, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Patients appreciate the advanced one-on-one care they receive, which includes a patient-focused philosophy to enhance their treatment plan. Don’t let fibromyalgia rule your day-to-day routine, schedule a visit at Equipoise Physical Therapy today. Call the office or book your appointment online.

Fibromyalgia Q & A

What is the history of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is often thought of as a fairly new phenomenon, but it’s been cited in medical writings since the 1800s. It was first identified as fibrositis and classified as a rheumatoid disorder causing stiffness, pain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Although it’s grouped with rheumatologic conditions, fibromyalgia is not a form of arthritis and does not cause joint or muscle damage.

The condition was renamed in 1976 to better identify its characteristics — fibro (fibrosis tissue) myo (muscle) algia (pain). However, guidelines weren’t established for diagnosing fibromyalgia until 1990, and the first medication for treating the condition wasn’t introduced until 2007. This may be the reason it’s often thought of as a newly discovered condition.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can cause a wide array of symptoms, most commonly pain that is felt throughout the body and sometimes triggered by even the lightest touch.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:

  • Moderate to severe fatigue
  • Waking up not feeling refreshed
  • Difficulty focusing, sometimes called “fibro fog”
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal cramping

Many individuals with fibromyalgia also have problems with sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and migraines.

How can physical therapy help with fibromyalgia?

Physical therapy is often at the top of the fibromyalgia effective treatments list. At Equipoise Physical Therapy, Dr. Mali will tailor your program to include treatments clinically proven to decrease your symptoms, increase your strength, and restore your mobility.

Your physical therapy treatment plan may include:

  • Soft tissue massage to relieve discomfort and stiffness
  • Exercises to increase your muscle strength and flexibility
  • Activities to restore posture
  • Heat therapy to increase circulation to affected areas

When you work with a physical therapist trained in creating a fibromyalgia-specific treatment program, you also learn effective strategies for managing your symptoms at home.

Well respected for their skills and expertise in helping you manage fibromyalgia, the physical therapists at Equipoise Physical Therapy are also known for their dedication to treating every patient with compassion and respect. Schedule a visit today. Call the office or use their convenient scheduling tool to book your appointment online.