Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia 

Unfortunately, there is no one specific medical solution that can offer relief for people suffering with fibromyalgia. There is no drug on the market that is specifically made for fibromyalgia sufferers, and no specific course of treatment that your doctor will prescribe. While your doctor will certainly have suggestions, and there are many drugs that they might offer to you to deal with your symptoms, they won’t give you a magic fix.

Many people search for alternative medicines and other options to help them to deal with their pain with fibromyalgia. Many of these treatments have been known to help patients on their own, while others seem to work in combination with drug therapies that your doctor might recommend. The old saying that “it can’t hurt” certainly holds true here – it’s worth it to try anything that you can to keep up your body’s strength, increase your sleep regularity and stave off your pain.

Acupuncture

In 2006, a study was done at the Mayo Clinic to see if acupuncture had an effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. Those studied found that it significantly improved their symptoms. The premise behind acupuncture is that is will restore the normal balance of your life forces by inserting tiny needles into pressure points in your body. This Chinese medical system is widely used throughout the world to alleviate stress and pain.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of health care that is still used today. During a massage, the therapist will improve blood circulation in the muscles, increase the flow of nutrients and eliminate waste. Massage has been known to reduce the heart rate, to relax the muscles and to improve the range of motion in the joints. It can also help to get your body’s natural painkillers in motion to ward off your chronic pain. Massage often helps to reduce stress and anxiety, two conditions that are closely tied to fibromyalgia.

Osteopathy

Doctors in this field go through quite a rigorous training in both academic and clinical settings. They can perform many of the same procedures as conventional doctors. One area of focus that they use that may help patients with fibromyalgia is manipulation. They manipulate the joins and spine to try to alleviate pain and to reduce stress.

Yoga

Yoga is known to strengthen the core muscles in the body, to relax the body and to help you to become more limber. Before beginning a yoga program, however, you should speak to the instructor to tell them that you have fibromyalgia. You should also make sure with your doctor that he thinks that you are ready to try out yoga. You might even be able to find yoga groups that specifically cater to people with chronic pain.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy uses water as a form of therapy. Water exercises are very good for people with joint problems and with chronic pain, as they put less pressure on the joints than do other forms of exercise and other activities. Hydrotherapists are trained to work with patients in the water and to help them to alleviate pain in all areas of the body. This could be a great alternative way to get exercise while working to increase strength and to lessen chronic pain.