Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with no known cure or cause. As such, patients often require a multidisciplinary treatment approach, with various therapies aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Managing chronic pain can be a time-consuming task, with various doctors appointments, physical therapy visits, journals, and other techniques intended to reduce pain. It's easy to forget, get busy, or simply feel overwhelmed.
Now, recent research shows that chiropractic care can improve treatment outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia, by enhancing their compliance with an exercise rehabilitation program. A research study included 55 women with fibromyalgia between the ages of 21-59 years. All of the participants were assigned to a physical therapy program of resistance training, but half also received chiropractic adjustments.
Both groups reported decreased pain and tender points. However patients in the chiropractic group were more likely to stick to their exercise program, and experienced better improvements in balance, flexibility, functionality, and endurance as a result.
These findings demonstrate how combining chiropractic care with physical therapy can enhance both treatments. At Oregon Medical Centers, we integrate chiropractic care with physical therapy to produce the best results for patients with fibromyalgia in Aloha and Beaverton.
The benefits of chiropractic care extend beyond the parameters of this study. Research has shown that chiropractic care can improve range of motion and decrease pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Other chiropractic techniques, such as a combining ultrasound with tissue manipulation, have been found to improve sleep quality and functional capabilities among fibromyalgia patients.
Our Aloha/Beaverton chiropractors are committed to helping you lead a healthy, pain-free life in spite of fibromyalgia. Call Oregon Medical Centers for a consultation today.
References
Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, et al. “Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15.3 (2009): 321-328.
Secondary references:
Blunt KL, et al. The effectiveness of chiropractic management of fibromyalgia patients: a pilot study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1997: 20 (6): 389-99.
Ilkim CK, et al. Short and long-term results of connective tissue manipulation and combined ultrasound in patients with fibromyalgia. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2006; 29(7): 524-528.
