Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia

Treatment Options for FibromyalgiaScientists estimate that over 6 million North Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, and experience widespread pain throughout their muscles and joints.

Fibromyalgia symptoms include deep muscle pain, fatigue, tingling or numbness in hands and feet and painful trigger points.   Additional symptoms can include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, restless leg syndrome and TMJ.

Conditions that frequently overlap with fibromyalgia are severe headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome,  teeth grinding, allergies, and other autoimmune disorders.

The onset of fibromyalgia has been linked to traumatic events, such as accidents, certain diseases and long term or excessive stress.

The first step in treating fibromyalgia is to track your symptoms. Keeping track of your symptoms will help your health care practitioner to choose the best treatment option for you.

The next step is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  • Reduce stress – limit overexertion and emotional stress
  • Get enough sleep – establishing good sleep habits are essential
  • Exercise regularly – appropriate exercises may include walking, swimming, and water aerobics
  • Eat whole foods – eat healthy foods, limit caffeine and “stay-way” from sugary processed foods

The third step is to seek treatment from your health practitioners, and this can include:

Acupuncture: There is evidence suggesting acupuncture causes changes in blood flow and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord, and helps pain relief in fibromyalgia.

Massage therapy: Massage can relax your muscles, improve range of motion in your joints and increase production of your body’s natural painkillers, relieving stress.

eToims: If you are living with chronic pain,  or fibromyalgia, there is a non-invasive treatment called Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation, or “eToims” for short.

Class IV Laser: During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

IMS/Dry needling: This treatment can greatly reduce tightness and pain, while increasing flexibility and range of motion. The needle sites  target taut, painful muscle bands, and areas near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and super-sensitive.

Please contact our health care practitioners for more information on these treatment options for fibromyalgia.

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Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes compressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, and houses the median nerve and tendons. Swelling or thickening from irritated tendons narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed, which results in pain, weakness, and numbness in the hand and wrist.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include burning, tingling, numbness, pins and needles and pain.  Weakness of some muscles in the fingers, thumb and wrist can occur and if left untreated can lead to muscle atrophy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the result of a trauma or injury to the wrist such as sprain or fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, or a mechanical problem in the wrist joint caused by work stress or a repetitive activity.

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • REST – The initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for set period of time, avoiding activities that may worsen your symptoms, and wearing a wrist brace to avoid further damage from twisting or bending.
  • BRACE – A removable wrist brace is often advised as a first treatment choice.  The brace keeps the wrist at a neutral angle, allowing the carpal tunnel nerve to rest.
  • MEDICATION –  If there is inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, can reduce the swelling and pain.  An injection of steroid into the carpal tunnel is an option, as steroids are known to reduce inflammation.
  • THERAPIES –  Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments are beneficial for this type of injury.
  • MODALITIES – Ultrasound and Laser Therapy help restore circulation, reduce inflammation, reduce swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain, and speeds up the healing process at a cellular level.
  • EXERCISE – Stretching exercises can strengthen your wrist and hand so that you avoid further symptoms in the future.
  • SURGERY – A small operation can cut the ligament over the front of the wrist and ease the pressure in the carpal tunnel.

Initial treatments will include rest, immobilization of the wrist and ice application. Many patients will need to modify their activities and work environment, which can include adjusting keyboards, screens and chair heights, as well as modifying their workouts. These measures, as well as periodic resting and range of motion stretching exercise of the wrists provided by our physiotherapist, can help prevent the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

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How to Treat Wrist Injuries

How to Treat Wrist InjuriesA wrist is made up of eight small bones known as carpals, and a complex configuration of ligaments tendons and nerves.

Wrist pain is common, whether from a sports injury or repetitive motion injury.  Delaying a diagnosis or treatment can result in Carpal tunnel syndrome, or even a permanent disability.  It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms as a quickly as possible to avoid further injury.

Common causes for wrist pain include:

  • Tendonitis –Tendonitis is a common problem that can cause wrist pain and swelling. Wrist tendonitis is due to inflammation of the tendon sheath.
  • Sprains – Wrist sprains are common injuries to the ligaments around the wrist joint. Sprains can cause problems by limiting the use of our hands.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition that results from dysfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist. In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is compressed, as it passes through the wrist joint.
  • Arthritis – Arthritis is a problem that can cause wrist pain and difficulty performing normal activities.
  • Fractures – A wrist fracture is a common orthopedic injury. Patients who sustain a broken wrist may be treated in a cast, or they may need surgery for the fracture.

Treating wrist pain depends on the location, type and severity of the injury and how long ago the injury occurred.

Treatments for a wrist injury include:

  • Rest the joint, and allow the acute inflammation to subside
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Ice packs reduces the swelling which is caused by inflammation. The recommended time for application of ice on a new wrist injury is 10 minutes, or until the injured area is numb, and then apply ice every two hours for the first 48 hours after the initial injury.
  • Wrist support or taping can support wrist movements. They will not prevent severe injuries, but may help you perform simple activities while rehabilitating from a wrist sprain.
  • Laser therapy will improved circulation, reduced inflammation and reduced swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain
  • Physiotherapy will restore and strengthen the function and movement of the injured area through exercise, manual manipualtion and modalities.
  • Cortisone injections or surgery may be necessary

Before you start any treatment regime,  always contact your health care practitioner.

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Tips On Exercising Outdoors During Winter

Tips On Exercising Outdoors During WinterWinter is here, and cold weather can discourage even the most dedicated exercisers.  So for those of you who might need some tips on exercising in cold weather… here you go!

#1 Warm Up

Take 10 minutes and do some low level aerobic exercises and stretches indoors to help your body start to warm up.

#2 Dress in Layers

Many folks make the mistake of dressing too warmly for exercising in cold weather.  When you exercise, you generates a significant amount of heat, and once your sweat starts to dry, you can get chilled.  So to avoid this situation, dress in layers.

Make sure the first layer is made out of a synthetic material, which will draw your sweat away from your body.  Next, add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation, and top this off with a waterproof outer layer that will keep you dry if it rains or snows.

#3 Protect Your Hands & Head

In cold weather, blood flow is concentrated on your body’s core and a substantial amount of body heat is lost from uncovered heads and hands; so wearing a hat, such as lightweight fleece cap, and gloves will help your body retain heat.

Wear your gloves, and hats before you go out side and become cold… you can remove them as you begin to work out and begin to sweat.

#4 Choose Appropriate Gear

This time of year it is dark in the mornings and starts getting dark in the late afternoon, so when exercises outside, always wear reflective clothing.  Find out what the weather conditions will be like during the time you’re planning to be outdoors and factor in how long you plan to be outside, and what activity you will be doing so you can dress accordingly.

#6 Use Sunscreen

You can get sunburned all year round — even more so if you’re exercising in the snow or at high altitudes. Wear a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

#7 Stay Hydrated

You need to stay hydrated when exercising in cold weather just as you do when exercising in warm weather. Drink plenty of fluids before you head outside, and be sure to bring some along with you.

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), getting outside and exercising during the day will help alleviate your symptoms.

Contact our Physiotherapists if you would like some suggestions on great warm-up stretches that are activity specific.

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Back Pain…or Compression Fracture?

Back Pain...or Compression Facture?A spinal compression fracture is when there is a collapse in one or more bones of your vertebrae. Vertebrae are rounded bones that are stacked on top of each other down the middle of your back. Compression fractures of the spine happen when there is too much pressure on the vertebra. The vertebra collapses, and becomes wedge shaped instead of round. Spinal compression fractures can occur anywhere in the spine, but are most common in the upper back region.

Many spinal compression fractures are caused by osteoporosis, sports injuries, and work place accidents.

Symptoms that can indicate a spinal compression fracture:

  • Severe back pain that gets worse when standing or walking
  • Pain when bending or twisting
  • Muscle spasms in your back.
  • Pain when the fracture area is touched.
  • Sudden, severe, back pain.
  • Sudden weakness in your arms or legs.

Risks for a spinal compression fracture:

  • Genetics & Age: The risk is higher as you age and by having a close family member with a history of compression fractures.
  • Bone mineral density: Having low bone density increases your chances of having osteoporosis
  • Diet and exercise: Not eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and not incorporate weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging into your daily routine.
  • Lifestyle choices: Smoking and weighing too much increases your risk of getting a back injury.
  • Medical conditions: Long term diseases, such as liver cirrhosis and diabetes
  • Medicines: Taking medicines that can cause calcium to be lost from your bones, such as hormones, steroid medicine, and antacids

Treatment for a spinal compression fracture:

A spinal compression fracture can be diagnosed with a physical examination to determine whether a vertebra has collapsed.

If you have a compression fracture, you may need to rest in bed for a few days and take anti-inflammatory or pain medicine, however, within a few days of the fracture you will need to start some form of physical therapy.  Physical therapy will help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.

Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may need to wear a back brace for several weeks to help your vertebrae heal.

Physiotherapy:

Your health care practitioner will assists you to restore, maintain and maximize your strength, function, movement, and overall well-being by using natural methods such as exercise, motivation, adapted equipment and education.  Physiotherapy helps improve movement and decrease pain.

Laser Therapy:

  • improve circulation
  • reduce inflammation
  • improve transport of nutrients across the cell membrane
  • influx of water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area
  • reduce swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain

Ultrasound:

  • increase oxidation,
  • reduce swelling & muscle spasms
  • improve circulation

Massage Therapy:

  • Improved circulation
  • Elimination of toxins
  • increase circulation
  • increase your flexibility and range of motion

The first step is to contact your health care practitioner so they can diagnosis your condition, set up a treatment plan, and get you healthy and active as quickly as possible.

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My Journey Into IMS/Dry Needling | Part II

My Journey Into IMS/Dry Needling | Part IIMy research into IMS/dry needling is complete, and I have chosen my health care practitioner – a    physiotherapist  from Diversified Health.

Entering the room on my first visit I was a bit anxious.  Knowing that the treatment can be uncomfortable is like taking Buckley’s cough syrup… you know it will taste horrible, but it works!

My therapist was great, we talked about my health history, why I chose this treatment, and what my expectations of this therapy was.  The therapist explained in great detail what would happen on this first visit and what I should expect after my treatment.

Laying on the table the practitioner felt the area in question, my low back and hips and located numerous trigger points.  A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle which is painful on compression. These trigger points, sometimes referred to as myofascial pain, can refer pain to other areas and often restrict the flexibility of the affected muscle.  If left untreated, they can create new trigger points.  As we talked about how intense the pain was, she was assessing where to place the needles.

My physiotherapist sterilized the treatment area and removed a needle from a sealed package.  Each sterilized needle comes in an individual sealed package. Because the filament needles are so thin there is virtually no discomfort when the needle is inserted.

As the needle entered the skin and reached the muscle, this is when the muscle contracted and I felt twitching, spasms, and tingling; a potpourri of senses.  As the practitioner moved the needle, I felt a sensation like hitting your funny bone,  weird, tingly and painful, but the whole experience happened in under 4 seconds.

This was repeated numerous times on different areas on my lower back and hips. The therapist worked on one side of my body, and then mirrored the treatment on the other side of my body. The physiotherapist talked to me throughout the treatment and was aware and attentive to my reactions to each treatment.

Each needle felt sightly different, some treatment areas felt achy, hot, a stinging then tightening feeling.  Some areas were extremely painful while others areas I felt very little.  The tighter or more damaged the muscle, the more discomfort you feel.

When the session was over, I found myself physically and mentally tired… not sure if it was because I was so anxious on my first visit or because the treatment was physical.  After resting for about 5 minutes, I got up and spoke with my physiotherapist, who answered all my questions, and gave me a set of exercises to complete at home.  Because of the release of toxins and lactic acid that get held in muscles I was quite tired, and found drinking lots of water after the treatment very helpful.  Two hours after my treatment I felt tired and achy, but nothing that an Advil couldn’t help.

There is absolutely no “down time” with IMS/dry needling.

What happened the next morning was just short of a “miracle”.  For the last several years I have found it strenuous to get up from a sitting position due to super tight muscles and back issues… nothing major, just always found myself  getting “prepared” to get up…tightening my stomach muscles and placing my hands on the chair to help push off.

I was standing in the middle of my living room when I suddenly realized that I had gotten out of my chair without a thought.  This may seem small, but this victory solidified my belief that IMS/dry needling is an outstanding treatment for chronic or acute pain.

Dry needling will not be for everyone, it is at times painful (3 to 4 seconds of pain), but there is no denying my results.  I have booked several more treatments, and will update you on my continued journey into IMS/dry needling in Part III.

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How to Get the Most From Your Next Treatment

How to Get the Most From Your Next TreatmentHaving a successful treatment starts before you see your practitioner. On your next visit to your health care practitioner try incorporating these tips.

  • Getting adequate rest the night before your treatment is an important part of the healing process.
  • Arrive on time to your sessions.  If you arrive in a frenzied state, it will take you longer to relax.
  • Remember that your practitioner may have another appointment directly after your own and your treatment time will be cut short if you arrive late.
  • Wear clothing that will be comfortable during a treatment session.
  • Before the treatment begins, always give an accurate health update, and bring any relevant letters, imaging and/or scan results.
  • During a treatment, report any discomfort that you are feeling right away and don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns.
  • Remember to breathe normally throughout your treatment session.  If you are anxious about the treatment, your breathing will be shallow and limited.  Talking with your practitioner about your anxiety will help you relax.
  • Stay hydrated, remember to drink water before and after your treatment.
  • Don’t get up too quickly from the treatment table.  Getting off the table too fast, can make you feel dizzy or light headed.
  • Part of any treatment includes the moments after the the treatment is over.  Make sure you take enough time in the room to integrate and assimilate the results of your session.
  • Try to stay active after a treatment.  In most cases, movement after a session will help the treatment hold for a longer period of time.
  • Be honest with your practitioner;  if a treatment is not working let them know.  A good health care practitioner will choose another approach or modality to treat your condition.

Part of any good health care solution is being part of a team, and Diversified Health has numerous disciplines, treatment options, modalities and practitioners to help you get feeling better faster!

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