The pain of fibromyalgia can exist at multiple points in the body at any given time, and you might experience more pain in certain areas than other patients with fibromyalgia. However, physical therapists can help you learn where the most common fibromyalgia pain points are. 

This information can be helpful for the up to 12 million Americans who suffer from fibromyalgia. Physical therapists can offer information about fibromyalgia, and more information can give you a better chance of effectively managing this chronic condition. Physical therapy can also be an effective treatment option for many fibromyalgia symptoms. 

The six most common fibromyalgia pain points

There are 18 points where medical professionals look for fibromyalgia pain in the body, and these points are tested in a specific way. A doctor or physical therapist applies pressure to one of the pain points associated with fibromyalgia. If the pressure causes pain, then the result is positive. People who have pain at 11 of the tested points are positive for fibromyalgia. However, other tests will also be performed to rule out other medical issues. 

The six areas where these pain points tend to cluster are the:

1. Neck
2. Chest
3. Shoulders
4. Elbows
5. Hips
6. Knees

What treatment options do physical therapists offer for fibromyalgia?

There are a variety of physical therapy techniques that can help people treat their fibromyalgia symptoms. A few of the therapy methods your therapist may use to help you include: 

• Therapeutic exercises to stretch out and strengthen muscles around your pain points. 

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that can break down areas of scar tissues that could contribute to fibromyalgia pain. 

• Dry needling sessions that focus on breaking up the myofascial trigger points that often affect fibromyalgia sufferers. 

• Joint mobilization intended to improve the mobility of joints affected by your condition. 

Find help managing your fibromyalgia pain at Continuum Wellness

Struggling to manage your fibromyalgia pain effectively? Our physical therapists at Continuum Wellness are ready to help. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint the areas of your body most affected by fibromyalgia. Additionally, our team excels at building unique therapy plans designed to reduce your pain and help you deal with symptom flare-ups. 

Can’t make it into our therapy clinic right now? No worries! We offer at-home care and virtual therapy services that allow you to get therapy right from your home. 

Contact our team today for more information about our fibromyalgia treatment options or to schedule an initial appointment.