Chronic pain is a complex and persistent challenge, especially for individuals with conditions like fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). These disorders can lead to widespread pain that significantly impacts the quality of life, making effective chronic pain management essential. Understanding how central sensitization contributes to chronic pain and how physical therapy can help manage it through targeted techniques is key to providing relief and restoring function.
Bethesda Physiocare offers comprehensive chronic pain management in Bethesda, MD. To learn more, contact us online or call (301) 656-5613 today.
What is Central Sensitization?
In patients with fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic pain often stems from a phenomenon known as central sensitization. This occurs when the central nervous system becomes overly responsive to both painful and non-painful stimuli. As a result, even light touch or minor movement can cause exaggerated pain responses, making everyday activities unbearable. Central sensitization can also lead to increased sensitivity throughout the body, meaning the nervous system remains in a constant state of heightened alert.
Fibromyalgia patients often experience this heightened pain sensitivity, known as hyperalgesia, alongside symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues (commonly referred to as “fibro fog”). Similarly, individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, may experience joint hypermobility and tissue fragility, further amplifying their pain through both peripheral and central sensitization.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Chronic Pain Management
While chronic pain from central sensitization can be debilitating, physical therapy offers an evidence-based approach to managing both peripheral and central sensitization. Treatment strategies focusing on decreasing peripheral and central sensitization (turning down heightened alert of pain) are essential to managing chronic pain. Here’s how specific techniques can help address the unique pain profiles of patients with fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a part of chronic pain management that involves hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, to decrease peripheral sensitization of muscles, joints, and fascia. For patients with chronic pain, manual therapy helps reduce muscle tension and restore proper function in areas of the body that are overly sensitive. By addressing musculoskeletal inputs this approach can decrease the signals contributing to peripheral sensitization.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective tool for reducing muscle sensitivity and addressing trigger points that contribute to pain. By targeting areas of tightness or dysfunction, this technique helps reduce both local and referred pain. For patients with fibromyalgia or EDS, dry needling can also alleviate some of the muscle-related discomforts linked to chronic pain, reducing the overall load on the nervous system.
Graded Exposure through Exergaming
Graded exposure is a therapeutic technique that gradually increases the level of physical activity in a controlled manner to reduce fear and hypersensitivity to movement. For patients with chronic pain, exergaming—a form of physical therapy that uses video games to promote movement—provides a fun, engaging way to build strength and endurance while minimizing pain.
Exergaming helps desensitize the nervous system by allowing patients to participate in low-impact movements that gently challenge their range of motion and strength without triggering significant pain. Over time, this approach can lead to a reduction in central sensitization and improved physical functioning.
Myofascial Decompression (Cupping)
Myofascial decompression, or cupping, is another effective modality for chronic pain management. By creating negative pressure on the skin, this technique helps reduce muscle tension and improve fascial mobility. For patients with fibromyalgia or EDS, cupping can provide relief from the pain associated with fascial stiffness while also modulating pain signals to reduce hypersensitivity.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to promote cellular repair and reduce inflammation. It’s particularly useful for patients with fibromyalgia or EDS who experience widespread pain. Cold laser therapy can help decrease both peripheral and central sensitization by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing, allowing the nervous system to calm down and reduce its pain response.
Why Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Management?
Physical therapy offers a personalized and holistic approach to chronic pain management, particularly for individuals dealing with complex conditions like fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Unlike medication, which often provides temporary relief, physical therapy addresses the root causes of pain, focusing on long-term solutions. By reducing peripheral and central sensitization, physical therapy helps patients regain control over their bodies, improve function, and ultimately enhance their quality of life.
Our Unique Approach to Chronic Pain Management
At our clinic, we specialize in cutting-edge techniques to manage chronic pain effectively. Our approach to chronic pain management in Bethesda is comprehensive and personalized, using advanced technology and techniques to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care. We offer the most cutting-edge technology in our one-of-a-kind physical therapy gym. With a focus on state-of-the-art treatments and individualized care, we are committed to helping our patients achieve lasting relief from chronic pain. If you’re struggling with fibromyalgia or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and are looking for effective chronic pain management, call (301) 656-5613 today to learn how we can help you regain control over your life.
