Curezone Physiotherapy, Mississauga collaborates with a team of providers such as Physiotherapist, Massage therapist, Chiropractor, Osteopath  providing treatments in various neuromuscular conditions including fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.

Similarities and differences between fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome

• Similarities:
  • Pain In muscles
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Postural stresses
• Differences:
  • Fibromyalgia
    • Tender points
    • Poor sleep
    • No referred patterns of pain
    • Fatigue
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
    • Trigger points in muscle
    • Referred patterns of pain
    • Tight band of muscles

What is fibromyalgia?

• A chronic condition that is characterized by pain to half the body (left/right, upper, or lower half) which has lasted for more than 3 months and has been felt in at 11-18 of the tender points throughout the body, nonrestorative sleep, morning stiffness and fatigue with subsequent diminished exercise tolerance.

Characteristics of FM

• Can occur at any age but commonly seen at early to middle adulthood.
• More than 30% of those diagnosed will develop symptoms after a traumatic accident such as MVA or viral infection
• Most common complaints are muscular pain in the scapula, head, neck, chest, and low back.
• It is common for the symptoms to fluctuate where individuals may feel increased pain one day and be pain-free the next.
• individuals with FM have a higher incidence of tendonitis, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, temporal mandibular joint dysfunction, restless leg syndrome, mitral valve prolapse, anxiety, depression, and memory problems.

Contributing factors to flare

• FM Is a noninflammatory, nondegenerative, nonprogressive disorder but many factors may increase the severity of the symptoms that are experienced. FM may be aggravated by different forms of stresses but is not caused by them.
  • Environmental stress includes weather changes, significant changes to barometric pressure, cold, fog, dampness, rain, and fluorescent lights.
  • Physical stresses include repetitive activities such as typing, playing piano, vacuuming, prolonged period of standing and/or sitting, and working rotating shifts.
  • Emotional stresses are just normal life stresses

Management of Fibromyalgia

• Aerobic exercise to reduce most common symptoms.
• Prescription medication.
• Over the counter medication.
• Instruction in pacing activities in attempt to avoid fluctuations in symptoms.
• Avoidance of stress factors.
• Decreasing alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Diet modification.

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome

• Defined as chronic, regional pain syndrome. The hallmark classification of MPS comprises the myofascial trigger points in a muscle which have specific referred pattern of pain. The trigger point is defined as a hyperirritable area in a tight band of muscle. The pain from these points is described as dull, aching, and deep. Additional impairments from trigger points include decreased ROM when the muscle is being stretched, decreased muscle strength, and increased pain with muscle stretching. The trigger points may be active (producing a classic pain pattern) or latent (asymptomatic unless palpated).

Possible causes of trigger Points

• chronic overload of muscle the occurs with repetitive activities or that maintain the muscle in a shortened position.
• acute overload of muscle such as slipping and catching oneself, picking up an object that has an unexpected weight or following trauma such as MVA.
• Poorly coordinated muscles compared to muscles that are exercised on a regular basis.
• Postural stressed such as sitting for prolonged periods of time, especially if the workstation is not ergonomically correct and leg length differences.
• Poor body mechanics with lifting and other activities.

Management of Myofascial pain syndrome

• Treatment consists of three main components: eliminating the trigger point, correcting the contributing factors, and strengthening the muscle. The contributing factor should be eliminated before addressing the trigger point. When ROM is restored and the trigger point has been addressed, muscle strengthening techniques are initiated and used to eliminate the trigger points.
  • Contract-relax-passive stretch done repeatedly until the muscle lengthens.
  • Contract-relax-active stretch also done in repetition.
  • Trigger point release.
  • Spray and stretch.
  • Dry needling or injection.

         If you are experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms, seek an assessment from a qualified physiotherapist near you.

How Physiotherapy will help with Fibromyalgia  and Myofascial pain syndrome?

Curezone Physiotherapy Mississauga aims to relieve your pain, minimize the stiffness and Restore normal function and mobility as soon as possible.

• The physiotherapist will assign and construct and exercise regiment that will help with targeted muscle strengthen the affected muscle groups.
• Physical therapy techniques, including deep tissue massage, will help you use your muscles more effectively. This treatment may be combined with heat or cold therapies to boost the benefits. Manual Muscle treatment will be done to help alleviate pain and release pressure from trigger and tender points.
• Heat Therapy: Heat therapy is one of the most preferred methods of reducing chronic aches and pains associated with fibromyalgia.
• Educate patients on how they can manage and improve their diagnosis and prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Various forms of treatment can be done to help with the relief and management of pain being felt. i.e. IFC (inferential current therapy), heating and cooling modalities, laser therapy, and ultrasound.
• Ultrasound: This therapy uses sound waves to create a gentle heat that increases blood circulation to your deep tissues.

Active Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Active treatments helps  core stability, flexibility, strength, and joint movement. An exercise program may also be prescribed to achieve optimal results.

Active treatments include:

• Core stability: Your core (abdominal) muscles have a greater impact on your overall health than you may think. Strong core muscles serve as good allies to your back muscles in supporting your spine. It’s called the core because it’s the central powerhouse of your body. Naturally, a healthy core provides your body with a strong, stable center point.

• Muscle flexibility and strengthening: Your range of motion will likely be restricted if you’re experiencing fibromyalgia pain. Using customized stretching and strengthening exercises, your physiotherapist will help you lengthen and strengthen your muscles, and improve joint movement. 

Experiencing fibromyalgia Symptoms? Book an Assessment with a Physiotherapist

Make sure you book your appointment today and get assessed by our physiotherapist now.