Fibromyalgia: What Are The Benefits Osteopathy Can Provide?

Dr Arthur Phlorides-OSTEOPATH-Double Bachelor of Health Science/ Applied Science (Osteopathy)

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points, fibromyalgia can be debilitating. While there’s no known cure, a multi-faceted approach to management can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Osteopathy, a holistic and hands-on approach to healthcare, is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. 

1. Pain Relief: Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manipulations, stretching, and massage to alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility. These techniques can provide pain relief and reduce the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms. 
2. Improved Circulation: Osteopathy enhances blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can help in the removal of metabolic waste products and reduce inflammation in the muscles and soft tissues. 
3. Stress Reduction: Many fibromyalgia patients report increased stress and anxiety levels. Osteopathic care incorporates relaxation techniques and can trigger the body’s natural relaxation response, leading to reduced stress and better sleep patterns. 
4. Individualized Treatment: Osteopaths assess each patient individually, considering their unique symptoms and needs. This personalized approach allows for the tailoring of treatments that target specific areas of pain or discomfort. 
5. Enhanced Quality of Life: Osteopathy promotes overall wellness, allowing patients to regain control over their lives and better manage their condition. 

While osteopathy can provide significant benefits for fibromyalgia patients, it’s important to remember that it should complement, not replace, other forms of treatment. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional who specializes in fibromyalgia management to develop a comprehensive care plan. Osteopathy offers a promising avenue for managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Through gentle manipulation, stress reduction, and individualized care, it can help patients experience reduced pain, improved circulation, and an overall enhanced quality of life. As more research is conducted, we can hope to further understand the specific mechanisms by which osteopathy benefits fibromyalgia patients and continue to improve their quality of life. 

References: 

1. Busch, A. J., Webber, S. C., Brachaniec, M., Bidonde, J., Bello-Haas, V. D., Danyliw, A. D., & Schachter, C. L. (2013). Exercise therapy for fibromyalgia. Current pain and headache reports, 17(3), 316. 
2. Teixeira, F. P., & Almeida, L. (2015). Physiotherapy and Osteopathy in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Rheumatology (Sunnyvale), 5(3), 1-7. 
3. Shaw, G., & Russell, C. (2018). Musculoskeletal manual approaches in the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 118(3), 195-202. 
4. Collinge, R., Simic, A., & Onis, K. (2015). Osteopathic manipulative treatment and pain in women with fibromyalgia. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 115(8), 486-493. 
5. Fernández‐Carnero, J., Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas, C., Cleland, J. A., & Immediate Effects of Cervical Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Handgrip Strength. (2010). Strength of Patients with Fibromyalgia. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 33(5), 357-364.