Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia: Acupuncture, Yoga, and More
Pain Doctors place a great deal of emphasis on multifaceted treatments and therapies to help those suffering from fibromyalgia live their best lives. This long-term condition, which involves
widespread musculoskeletal pain that generates feelings of stabbing, burning, prickling and numbness, brings with it a whole host of unwelcome issues. These include fatigue, emotional distress, and sleeplessness [1].
At the present time, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, however, Pain Doctors and others are continually working to achieve this goal. When someone thinks they may have fibromyalgia, their first point of call should be getting an accurate diagnosis from a Pain Specialist. The latter will then devise a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan, which is likely to include both conventional and the latest cutting-edge treatments.
These include:
•Analgesic medications specifically used for treating fibromyalgia
•A specialist physical therapy and rehabilitation protocol which is designed to ameliorate physical function and general well-being
•Cortisone injections which are directed to the trigger points causing the pain
•Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) injections which are administered at the trigger points generating the pain
•Pulsed radio-frequency (PRF) treatment which is applied to the trigger points linked to the pain
•Clinical pain psychology sessions which are engineered to boost psychological well-being, and
•Self Help Techniques. (Some of the popular self-help techniques that have helped fibromyalgia sufferers, can be classed as alternative therapies, and these are often recommended by Pain Specialists, as they can be a viable adjunct to the standard treatments (as long as there are no contraindications).
Alternative Therapies Which Can Help Fibromyalgia Sufferers
Yoga
Various studies indicate that yoga may help to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. For example, a 2020 case report showed that: “9 months of yoga helped an individual with fibromyalgia, experience a reduction in muscle fatigue and improvement in overall quality of life” [1]. Moreover, a 2019 study determined that: “yoga seemed to lessen symptoms of pain and improve sleep, albeit modestly” [1].
Meditation
There seems to be a broad consensus that meditating can offer some relief from the pain caused by fibromyalgia. Indeed, a 2015 clinical review: “found evidence that meditation can relieve the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, as well as perceived stress” [1]. Furthermore, a 2017 review:
“concluded that mindfulness meditation may improve instances of pain, stress, and symptom severity in individuals living with fibromyalgia” [1].
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been shown to ameliorate a number of physical and psychological conditions, including fibromyalgia. Indeed, a 2014 review suggested that: “individuals who were able to participate in massage therapy for more than 5 weeks, had improved pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms” [1].
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, which is understood to ameliorate a broad range of conditions, is derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Frequently recommended by Pain Doctors, it involves the practitioner inserting fine disposal needles into specific acupuncture points across the body. “According to a 2019 review, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for fibromyalgia” [1].
Tai Chi
Tai chi, which is also derived from ancient Chinese practises, is enowned for its wonderful slow, movements, Pain Specialists frequently recommend this form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, since it has been shown to be of tremendous benefit to mental and physical health. A 2018 study which: “followed 226 individuals suffering from fibromyalgia (who practised Tai chi once or twice a week) for 52 weeks, produced similar or greater improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms than aerobic exercise, making it an effective natural remedy” [1]. Moreover, as many patients may not have the energy to do aerobics, this form of exercise is ideal.
Reference
DiGiacinto, J. (2022). “7 Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia-natural-remedies#takeaway
