You hurt all over, and you frequently feel exhausted. Even after numerous tests, your doctor can't seem to find anything specifically wrong with you. If this sounds familiar, you may have Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue, widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. Fibromyalgia is more common in women than in men. Previously, the condition was known by other names such as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism and tension myalgias.
Although the intensity of your symptoms may vary, they'll probably never disappear completely. It may be reassuring to know, however, that Fibromyalgia isn't progressive, crippling or life-threatening. Treatments and self-care steps can improve symptoms and your general health.
Reduce stress. Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day to relax. That may mean learning how to say no without guilt. But don't change your routine totally. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than those who remain active. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.
Get enough sleep. Because fatigue is one of the main characteristics of Fibromyalgia, getting sufficient sleep is essential. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limiting daytime napping.
Exercise regularly. At first, exercise may increase your pain. But doing it regularly often decreases symptoms. Appropriate exercises often include walking, swimming, biking and water aerobics. One of our physical therapists can help you develop a home exercise program. Stretching, good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful. Pace yourself. Keep your activity on an even level. If you do too much on your good days, you may have more bad days.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day.
For more information, please click below to be taken to our website article on Fibromyalgia, or contact one of our clinics to make an appointment with a therapist to address your specific condition.

Although this is a busy time of year, we hope you will take some time for yourself and attend one of our informative seminars! This month the Severna Park office will be hosting a seminar on Osteoporosis. The seminar will be held on November 8th @ 7:45PM at the Severna Park Clinic. Topics will include an overview of what Osteoporosis is, information on diagnosis, treatment, self-management, and a Q & A period to get your personal questions answered. Please contact the Severna Park Office at 410-315- 9080 to reserve your spot!
The Columbia Staff will be hosting a seminar on knee pain on November 21st, from 7-8pm at the Supreme Sports Club location. Our PT's will go over the common types of knee pain, their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. There will also be time for you to discuss your specific problems with our therapists. If you have knee pain, or just want to know some ways of preventing it, this seminar is for you! Please contact the Columbia office at 410-381-7000 to reserve your spot!
Curling We are still gathering teams, donations for our silent auction, and volunteers for our annual curling event. We expect this year's turn out to be better than ever, so get your team in early to ensure you get to participate in this great event! For more information on Curling, please check out our website, or call Stephanie Coleman @ 301-498-2212, or Jared Goldstein @ 410-381-7000 for more information!