Fibromyalgia Treatment in St. Clair Shores, MI
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness, along with fatigue, poor sleep and trouble concentrating. It has no cure, but symptoms can be managed. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we combine gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture and medication into one plan.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects the whole body, and symptoms can come and go. The most common are:
- Aching, burning or throbbing pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, lasting three months or more
- Tenderness to touch or pressure
- Fatigue, even after a full night in bed
- Sleep that does not feel restful
- Trouble with memory and focus, often called “fibro fog”
- Morning stiffness, headaches and irritable bowel symptoms
- Anxiety or low mood
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact cause is not known. Research points to a nervous system that has become more sensitive to pain signals. Factors linked to it include:
- Family history
- Physical or emotional trauma, or a serious illness
- Other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Being female; women are diagnosed more often than men
Flare-ups are often triggered by stress, poor sleep, weather changes, overdoing activity, or illness. Because fibromyalgia shares symptoms with thyroid disease, arthritis and myofascial pain, a careful exam to rule these out is part of the diagnosis.
How We Treat Fibromyalgia
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. Fibromyalgia responds best to a combination of treatments rather than any single one. Your plan may include:
Physical Therapy and Graded Exercise
Our in-house physical therapy team starts with gentle, low-impact exercise and builds up slowly, which helps reduce pain and fatigue over time.
Massage Therapy
Gentle massage therapy from our certified massage therapist can ease muscle tension and help with relaxation and sleep.
Medical Acupuncture
Dr. Wilson is certified in medical acupuncture, part of our holistic pain relief care, which some people with fibromyalgia find helpful.
Trigger Point Injections
When specific tight muscle knots add to the pain, trigger point injections can relax them.
Medication and Pain Management
Our pain management plans may include medicines that calm nerve pain and improve sleep, adjusted to how you respond.
When to See a Doctor for Fibromyalgia
Book a visit if you have had widespread pain, fatigue and poor sleep for more than three months, or if fibromyalgia you already know about is getting harder to manage. It helps to keep a short diary of pain, sleep, activity and flare-ups before your visit.
There is no single blood test or scan for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis rests on your history, an exam and tests that rule out other causes, so bring any recent lab work and a list of your medicines. Knowing what you have already tried helps us plan what to try next.
See a doctor sooner for joint swelling, fever, unexplained weight loss or a rash, which point to other conditions. If low mood leads to thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia
Does fibromyalgia pain ever go away?
Fibromyalgia is usually long-term, but symptoms often change over time. Many people have long stretches of milder symptoms with the right mix of exercise, sleep habits and treatment.
What triggers fibromyalgia flare-ups?
Common triggers include stress, poor or short sleep, overdoing activity, cold or damp weather, illness and changes in routine. Pacing your day helps prevent flares.
What should you not do when you have fibromyalgia?
Avoid pushing through big bursts of activity followed by days of rest, skipping exercise altogether, and irregular sleep times. Gentle, regular movement works better.
What are the stages of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia does not have official medical stages. Symptoms vary in intensity and come and go in flares, and they can improve with treatment.
Is exercise safe with fibromyalgia?
Yes, and regular gentle exercise is one of the most helpful treatments. Walking, water exercise, cycling and stretching are good places to start. Begin with short sessions and build up slowly so you do not trigger a flare.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for Fibromyalgia in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your fibromyalgia and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
