Aquatics Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that can wreak havoc on an individual’s quality of life, no matter how young or old. Often characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and stiffness, fibromyalgia is a syndrome that affects females more than males. As anyone living with this condition knows, it can extremely debilitating and life-altering. For many afflicted with the condition, it seems there are no good options to help with the pain. However, aquatics therapy has changed this way of thinking. In recent years, we have learned that water therapy is actually quite effective in treating symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. In fact, water therapy helps people living with fibromyalgia experience less pain, get a better night’s sleep, more more easily, and generally live a more comfortable life. As a leading Grand Prairie aquatics therapy establishment, we believe in working closely with each and every one of our clients to ensure their needs are being met. We welcome patients of all ages who are faced with fibromyalgia and guarantee that we will do everything we can to help improve your condition and overall quality of life.

What is Fibromyalgia?

According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia is defined as widespread pain that lasts for at least three months. This pain is generally in both the lower and upper body on the right and left sides, including axial pain. In many cases, there is a presence of at least 11 of 18 specific tender points on either side of the body, above and below the waist. In addition to pain, many people experience muscle spasms, nodules, skin discoloration, and non-restorative sleep cycles.

One of the main reasons why fibromyalgia is such a difficult condition to live with is because of how hard it makes simple daily tasks, such as getting dressed in the morning, grooming, preparing meals, and going to work. As anyone who has ever looked into treatment for this condition is likely aware, pain management and restoration of normal sleep patterns are usually a top priority. Experts indicate that exercise is one of – if not the most – effective treatment options for fibromyalgia. However, it is important to keep in mind that any exercise program should include low-load stretching and low-impact aerobic movements. This is where aquatics therapy comes in.

How Can Water Therapy Help?

In large part because of the unique and effective properties associated with aquatics therapy, this form of treatment is widely considered to be one of the best. As we stand today, there is a great deal of evidence that supports using aquatics therapy to treat symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, including the following:

• Water is supportive. As we’ve gone over in the past, the properties of water making it an extremely effective and supportive form of therapy for many different conditions, including fibromyalgia. When you are in waist-level water, you are at approximately 50 percent weight bearing, which means that your body doesn’t have to work as hard as it would if you were performing the same exercises on land.

• Water is relaxing. This is especially true for warm water, which is yet another reason why aquatics therapy is highly recommended for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Not only is water relaxing, but it also helps your muscles and tissues stretch, making it far easier to move and perform exercises in order to strengthen muscles.

• Water provides stimulation. Water is a miracle worker in that it helps reduce pain. In a nutshell, water stimulates the body’s senses in a way that will stop it from experiencing pain quite as intensely.

To learn more about our Arlington and Grand Prairie aquatics therapy program, specifically for those with fibromyalgia, please contact Classic Rehabilitation today.