Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis. Still it is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue, as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation.

Our Occupational therapy treatment focuses on increasing a person's ability to perform in all aspects of life. This therapy is orientated in such a way to help individuals with fibromyalgia carry out all those daily task, like household chores, work responsibilities, and leisure activities. Our Occupational Therapy also attempts to improve the way that individual's preform these task in order to minimise the physical and emotional symptoms of fibromyalgia. Our Occupational Therapy programmes are designed to help individual's become more independent in all areas of their life, allowing them to live their life to the fullest.

Problems associated with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition which is very poorly understood by the general public. Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience feelings of fatigue, along with many other symptoms, all of which can greatly affect a person's ability to complete the following day to day activities:

• Washing and dressing
• Mobilising inside and outside the home
• Driving
• Work activities
• Sleeping
• Leisure and social activities
• Household duties- cooking and cleaning
• Climbing the stairs

There are many treatment approaches our Occupational Therapists can adopt when treating individuals with fibromyalgia. All of which aim to increase an individual's independence and overall life satisfaction. Our Occupational Therapists will comprehensively assess an individual's condition and the impact it is having on their day to day living. From here, problems will be identified and a therapeutic plan will be created together with the therapist.

What exactly is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia has traditionally been described as a rheumatologic condition resulting in various combinations of a number of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. The most common are widespread muscle pain and stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems. Problems with thinking (known as fibrofog) can also be present. Psychological problems including depression and anxiety are also frequently described.

Fibromyalgia has be classified as a central sensitivity syndrome (CSS). This term describes what appears to be a problem with multiple signs and symptoms. Some of these other CSS syndromes include chronic fatigue, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, restless leg syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including physical stress or emotional (Psychological) stress. Possible triggers for the condition include:

• An injury
• A viral infection
• Giving birth
• Having an operation
• The breakdown of a relationship
• Being in an abusive relationship
• The death of a loved one

However, in some cases, fibromyalgia does not develop after any obvious trigger.

Fibromyalgia affects as many as five million individual's aged 18 years and older. Most individuals with fibromyalgia are women (about 80-90 percent). However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most individuals are diagnosed during middle age.

Occupational Therapy assessments suitable for fibromyalgia

Our Occupational Therapists completea range of comprehensive assessments. This allow them togather the necessary information needed to create treatment plans that are appropriate and meet the needs of each and every individual. Below is a list of the most common assessment used with individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

• Cognitive assessments
• Workplace assessment
• Seating assessment
• Wheelchair assessment
• Functional assessment
• Activities of daily living assessments
• Aids and adaptations assessment
• Risk assessment

Occupational therapy treatment available

Our Occupational Therapy programs can help individuals manage their everyday jobs without increasing pain or wearing themselves out. Our therapists are highly experiencedand can provide practical support to facilitate recovery or over overcome the barriers that prevent them from doing activities they need and want to do. Treatments for individuals with fibromyalgia aim to increase an individual's life satisfaction and increase their:

• Functional independence
• Social interaction
• safety
• Pain management

Our Occupational Therapy has made dramatic improvements to the lives of those with fibromyalgia. Our treatments are flexible and tailored to each and every individuals need. They can be carried out individually or on a group basis, andhere in one of our clinics or in the comfort of your own home, whatever suits the individuals best.

Summary

Although there is no known causes for fibromyalgia, there are many ways of managing the symptoms effectively, reducing its impact on everyday living. Our Occupational Therapists are highly experienced when working with individuals with fibromyalgia and have the in depth knowledge and the skills needed to increase an individual's level of independence.

How to arrange to see an occupational therapist?

If you feel you would benefit from ourOccupational Therapyinterventions then pleaseemail us with any of your enquires at office@londonot.co.uk or Call us on 02033 937 332