WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by
widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood
issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by
affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical
trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases,
symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.
Women are much more likely to develop
fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension
headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome,
anxiety and depression.
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a
variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation and
stress-reduction measures also may help.
HOW CAN FLOATATION THERAPY HELP?
Many fibromyalgia patients also suffer from
mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, both of which can exacerbate
pain. One way to treat not only the fibromyalgia, but also the stress and
anxiety that may accompany it is visiting a float tank, also known as a sensory
deprivation tank.
There are many ways, both physical and
emotional, that fibromyalgia patients find relief in the float tank:
Immediate and Ongoing Relief of Physical
Pain
Thanks its sense of weightlessness, floating
provides immediate relief on the muscles and joints, making it a natural
therapy for fibromyalgia patients. The effects aren’t just in-the-moment,
however: in one major study, fibromyalgia patients reported feeling less and
less pain and muscle tension over a duration of a few weeks of regular
floating, not just immediately after exiting the tank.
Increased Quality of Sleep
Floating has been linked to better quality and
frequency of sleep in general, and the same effects hold true for fibromyalgia
patients. This is especially important as insomnia is a frequent problem for
sufferers, and a lack of sleep only reinforces the cycle of fatigue and
discomfort during the day.
Less Stress & Anxiety
Some fibromyalgia research has shown that
stress can aggravate the physical symptoms of the disease, so any way to lower
stress is a huge win for patients. Floating has been well-established as a
method of alleviating stress, and coupled with the physical relief of symptoms,
the relief can be extremely effective for fibromyalgia sufferers.
Boosted Magnesium Levels
Some research points to magnesium deficiencies
as a possible cause (or contributing factor) to fibromyalgia. Given that float
tanks are full of magnesium-rich Epsom salt solution, fibromyalgia patients may
find extra relief of symptoms thanks to absorbing magnesium through their skin
during a float.
Enhancing Concentration and Focus
Some fibromyalgia patients report experiencing
“fibro fog”—essentially, the inability to focus or concentrate, perhaps due to
the discomfort of chronic pain. As many athletes have found, spending time in a
float tank can help boost the powers of concentration, helping to restore some
of the mental acuity impacted by “fibro fog”.
Fibromyalgia can be a devastating disease, but
floatation therapy can help! Book an appointment now to try floating for the
first time to keep the pain at bay.
www.shalomfloatspa.com
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