Fibromyalgia is not an ordinary condition. Fibromyalgia can be broken down into different subtypes (see “All About Fibromyalgia”). Each individual, and each subtype of fibromyalgia, is treated differently. Your treatment program is based on the results of the examination, tests, and history.
Below are the most common treatments used at Fibromyalgia Seattle. For more information on a treatment and to learn how it helps fibromyalgia, see below or call the clinic.
Hormone and Adrenal Saliva Testing
Detoxification, Nutritional Counseling and Nutritional Prescriptions
Natural Medicine has proven to be one of the safest, most effective treatments for fibromyalgia. Due to chemical sensitivities, over 85% of fibromyalgia sufferers suffer side effects from allopathic medications. For this reason, naturopathic medications (nutritional whole food supplementation and homeopathic remedies) have become the chosen method of normalizing hormone imbalances, eliminating acute and chronic infections, decreasing chemical sensitivities, and relieving anxiety and depression. Many patients may need to undergo a supervised detoxification program to first detox at a cellular level.
Focused Muscle Therapies and Massage Therapy
Extreme muscle spasm is a symptom nearly every fibromyalgia sufferer experiences. Massage is beneficial in reducing the amount of spasm, however it is important that the therapist be experienced in treating fibromyalgia sufferers. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have increased sympathetic tone, which results in being “extra sensitive”. We are highly skilled and experienced in working with fibromyalgia sufferers.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment is highly beneficial for some cases of fibromyalgia. When deemed necessary, chiropractic is included in treatment plans. Chiropractic has two major benefits for fibromyalgia sufferers; one it decreases sympathetic tone and decreases oversensitivity, and two it reduces the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
In one particular study, fibromyalgia patients undertook 30 treatments combining trigger point therapy and spinal manipulation. At the midway point, participants reported a significant lessening of pain and an improvement in quality of sleep and fatigue level. After 30 treatments, respondents showed an average lessening of 77.2% in pain intensity, improvement of 63.5% in sleep quality, and improvement of 74.8% in fatigue level.
Chiropractic care is very beneficial in the trauma induced and insidious onset subtype of fibromyalgia. Not all chiropractic care is the same. When treating fibromyalgia, it is important to get the specific chiropractic care that you need. Our doctors are very knowledgeable in the treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue sufferers and offer corrective care programs not just temporary relief.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage can be done in fibromyalgia cases that have been induced by illness or infection. Restoring immune function is important in recovery.
Group Classes and Support
Classes are held to help our patients get the information and support they need. These are free for our patient and one guest.
Fitness Programs
Although most fibromyalgia patient’s shudder at the mention of exercise… it is an important part of healing and health. An individualized fitness program can be given to the patient when they are ready for this important step.