Fibromyalgia syndrome (also known as FMS or just fibromyalgia) is a chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain throughout the body. According to the CDC, fibromyalgia affects about 4 million Americans every year (2% of the population). Anyone can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, although symptoms usually appear in middle age. Women are twice as likely as men to have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed via a physical exam and blood tests to rule out similar conditions. There is no cure for fibromyalgia currently, but there are a number of treatment options available to help manage pain and reduce symptoms of the condition.

There is no singular cause of fibromyalgia. However, some conditions and risk factors may increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia. These include:

• Traumatic life events (such as physical abuse or accidents)
  
• Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
  
• Lack of sleep
  
• Infections or other medical conditions
  

The common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Chronic pain throughout the body
  
• Stiffness
  
• Fatigue
  
• Depression
  
• Anxiety
  
• Sleep problems
  
• Difficulty with memory, focus, and thinking
  
• Headaches
  
• Digestive problems (such as irritable bowel syndrome or constipation)
  
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  

There is no common cause of fibromyalgia, but some risk factors for developing the condition include:

- Sex: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men.

- Genetics: If you have a blood relative who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you might be at greater risk of developing the disease yourself.

- Other diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and osteoarthritis can increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by a primary care provider (e.g., family medicine doctors or internal medicine doctors) or a Doctor of Rheumatology (also known as a rheumatologist). There is no specific test or evaluation used to diagnose the condition. Instead, doctors will ask you about your symptoms, your family health history, and your personal health history.

In addition to this preliminary consultation, you may be asked to undergo blood work to rule out other causes of your symptoms (such as anemia or thyroid conditions). After these exams, your health care provider will work with you to craft an effective treatment plan to provide pain management and improve your quality of life.

Fibromyalgia treatment usually involves a combination of medicine and self-care remedies meant to help patients manage symptoms. These measures will not cure fibromyalgia, but they can relieve pain and improve quality of life.

Depending on your age and symptoms, your doctor may recommend medication to help reduce fibromyalgia pain and associated symptoms. Before starting any course of medication, seek medical advice from your health care provider to discuss dosage and proper administration.

Common medications used to improve quality of life include:

- Pain medicine: Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen will help provide pain relief for symptoms caused by fibromyalgia.

- Antidepressants: Fibromyalgia can cause depression and fatigue, which prescription antidepressants can help treat. The FDA has approved duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella) for the treatment of fibromyalgia. In addition to antidepressants, your doctor may prescribe an anticonvulsant or muscle relaxer to help soothe symptoms and encourage sleep.

Yes. A combination of physical therapy and psychotherapy (in this case, cognitive behavioral therapy) can help address widespread pain as well as depression and anxiety symptoms that occur as a result of fibromyalgia.

Therapies used to treat fibromyalgia symptoms are detailed below:

- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Perhaps the most effective therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy (or CBT) involves conversations with a mental health professional about your thinking and behaviors in stressful situations. CBT replaces negative or distorted thinking with positive and healthy thought processes to help you deal with stressors and depression.

- Physical therapy: Working with a board-certified physical therapist can help improve strength, balance, and mobility. Because pain and stiffness are among the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, PT can play a key role in improving quality of life with personalized exercise routines.

- Occupational therapy: Working with an occupational therapist can help fibromyalgia patients address pain and occupational dysfunction caused by pain and mental stress caused by fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia cannot be cured, but you can take steps in your everyday life to manage the symptoms of the condition. Self-care methods you can do at home include:

- Stress management techniques: Stress can lead to “flare-ups” or fibromyalgia attacks. Practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and deep breathing exercises can help you deal with periods of stress.

- Exercise: Aerobic and strength training exercises build up the musculoskeletal structure of the body and release chemicals (such as endorphins) that play a key role in stress management. If exercise is painful to you, talk to your doctor about alternatives that will produce the same benefits. Water-based exercise can build strength while also minimizing stress on the muscles and joints.

- Sleep: Fibromyalgia can cause fatigue and irritableness. Limit caffeine intake and napping throughout the day while creating a bedtime routine that allows you to get 7-9 hours of good, quality sleep.

- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Do 30 minutes of aerobic activity 5 times a week. Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption. These simple steps will help your general quality of life.

Rheumatologists complete nearly 10 years of schooling to specialize in rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders. Some conditions a rheumatologist may diagnose or treat include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Psoriatic arthritis
  
• Sjögren’s disease
  
• Tendonitis
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Lupus
  
• Scleroderma
  
• Gout
  
• Polymyositis
  
• Vasculitis
  

Your primary care provider may recommend that you see a rheumatology specialist if they suspect that you have an autoimmune disorder or a complex musculoskeletal condition that requires specialized treatment.

Additionally, if you have a family history of arthritis or other autoimmune disorders, you may want to ask your primary care provider about a recommendation for a rheumatologist. Genetics - conditions being passed down through your family - is the biggest risk factor for the development of these disorders.

Undiagnosed and untreated autoimmune disorders can lead to significant joint damage. Early detection of an autoimmune disorder can help avoid worsening symptoms, such as joint pain and mobility loss. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms detailed above, or if you have a family history of these disorders, talk to your primary care provider about a recommendation for a rheumatologist.

A rheumatologist will talk to you about your medical history, family history of autoimmune disorders, and what symptoms you are experiencing before conducting a physical examination. Physical exams are crucial in helping providers detect symptoms or signs of conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Autoimmune conditions can be hard to diagnose in their early stages, so the rheumatologist may order follow-up testing to better determine the cause of your symptoms. These diagnostic tests include:

• X-ray scans
  
• Blood tests
  
• CT scans
  
• Ultrasound tests
  
• MRI scans
  

Once the rheumatologist has examined your test results, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that can help you manage your symptoms. If surgery is needed, they may recommend an orthopedic surgeon to correct any musculoskeletal damage causing you pain.

No. Rheumatologists can perform diagnostic tests and physical examinations to diagnose autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal problems, but they are not surgeons. These specialists are able to prescribe medication, administer steroid injections, and refer you to other specialists if needed.

If after your examination your rheumatologist determines that you may benefit from surgery, they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon - a specialist in surgery of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Physical therapy is meant to ease pain, prevent injury, and improve quality of life. Physical therapists individualize treatments based on the needs of the patient.

A patient may want or require physical therapy to help:

• Ease or cure pain (such as back pain and neck pain)
  
• Improve balance
  
• Improve mobility
  
• Strengthen joints and/ or musculature
  
• Rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injury (such as sprains, soreness, ligament pain, and range of motion injuries)
  
• Physical rehabilitation after a stroke
  
• Manage incontinence
  
• Manage a chronic illness like arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease
  
• Manage pain and physical difficulty related to aging
  
• Manage women’s health issues related to the reproductive system, child-birth, post-partum, and pelvic floor dysfunction
  

Sesame offers high-quality, and affordable physical therapy services in . Connect with a physical therapist on Sesame for convenient, straightforward help crafting a treatment plan that works for you.

Physical therapy can be whatever you make it.

Most people start physical therapy services to help relieve pain or increase range of motion caused by:

• Sports-related injuries (such as torn a torn rotator cuff or sprains)
  
• Car accidents
  
• Neurological conditions (such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS)
  
• Shoulder pain
  
• Knee pain
  
• Neck pain/ back pain
  
• Osteoarthritis
  

Of course, injuries aren't the only reason patients begin physical therapy.

Physical therapy is common for aging patients, as it can help with such things as:

• Fall prevention
  
• Injury prevention
  
• Range of motion
  
• Mobility
  
• Pain management for aging joints
  

Chronic pain can be, well, a pain. Physical therapy can play a key role in health and wellness, by relieving pain and correcting imbalances in the body. Don't wait to start feeling better. Save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy session on Sesame.

If you've never had a physical therapy appointment before, your first session will usually begin with a physical evaluation. Your therapist will ask you questions about any chronic pain you experience. They may ask about your medical history and previous mobility. You may also be asked to perform a few light exercises or stretches so the therapist can measure your ability to move and balance.

After your evaluation, your physical therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan. A physiotherapy treatment plan is similar to a fitness routine you might get from a personal trainer. It will outline the exercises and strategies that you will perform with your therapist, as well as at-home tips to help your rehab. Your physical therapist should discuss goals of treatment for you to help you get a sense of how they want to track progress.

In some cases, a physical therapy session may include things such as manual therapy to help relieve pain and loosen joints. Manual therapy is an outpatient procedure performed with the therapist's hands, instead of any device. Like a massage, your physical therapist will knead and press certain joints and muscles to loosen them and improve range of motion. You may experience some mild soreness or pain after a manual therapy session, but this is a normal side effect and usually goes away after a day or two.

Physical therapy is a process. You will work alongside your PT to help address problem areas while keeping track of progress with carefully outlined therapeutic goals. Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Physical therapists on Sesame offer new-patient consultations so you can receive a physical evaluation and ask any questions you may have. Don't let aches and pains control your life- save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy visit on Sesame.

You should see a physical therapist if you are experiencing pain related to your daily tasks. Whether you're feeling the effects of carpal tunnel or back tightness, a physical or occupational therapist can help create a treatment plan that reduces your discomfort and restores your mobility. Occupational therapists can provide exercises and stretches that specially address movements you do every day.

Back pain and joint pain is one of the leading causes of disability for Americans. Chronic pain can affect your quality of life and your ability to move freely. Don't wait to start fixing aches and soreness. Save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy visit through Sesame and get in touch with a real, quality physical therapist in today - no insurance needed.

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Connect on Sesame with a real, quality physical therapist licensed to treat patients in . Physical therapists on Sesame can assess your symptoms, diagnose your conditions, and craft a treatment plan that works for you - all for one affordable, upfront cost. No copays or surprise billing.

Not sure if physical therapy is the right treatment plan for you? Sesame offers affordable new-patient physical therapy consultations, so you can meet with a physical therapist to discuss options, and ask any questions you may have.

Don't let aches and pains keep you down. Save up to 60% when you book physical therapy services through Sesame today and get your wellness journey started!

Physical therapy can be provided in a number of settings. Most clinicians on Sesame treat patients through outpatient clinics or private offices, but given the difficulty and health concerns some face going into a doctor’s office now, physical therapists on Sesame now offer video visits to help you diagnose and treat a range of conditions.

Who might need in-home care?

Conditions that may require a patient to receive in-home physical therapy services include:

• Loss of functional mobility from surgery or serious injury
  
• Stroke
  
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  
• Multiple Sclerosis
  
• Parkinson’s disease
  

Connect with a physical therapist on Sesame to help find a video or in-person treatment plan that works for you.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who specialize in treating orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. Personal trainers are not health care professionals; they work with clients to design and implement fitness plans tailored to their goals.

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients regain mobility and confidence.

These include:

• Injury prevention exercises
  
• Manual therapy/ massage therapy
  
• Dry needling therapy (a therapy similar to acupuncture)
  
• Pediatric physical therapy
  
• Sports medicine/ treatment for sports-related injuries
  
• Vestibular/ balance therapy
  

Physical therapists and personal trainers may work together on an advanced physical therapy treatment plan that helps treat pain or injury while building strength and balance.

If you are experiencing chronic pain, or side effects of an injury, physical therapy is the way to go. Not only can licensed PTs offer manual therapy to help ease joint/ muscle tightness, but they can also help correct balance, posture, orthopedic issues, and more.

Physical therapy can play a crucial role in pain management and holistic wellness. Physical therapists can help treat sports injuries, range of motion issues, back pain, and more. A PT is responsible for your treatment plan and will coach you through stretches and exercises to help improve your quality of life. It's important that you feel safe and comfortable with your physical therapist. Here are some tips to help you find one that's right for you.

1) Make sure they're certified. Whether you choose to see a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), or a professional physical therapist (PT), make sure that the therapist you see has been accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Worried about finding a licensed PT? All physical therapists on Sesame are fully licensed. When you book a physical therapy session on Sesame, you are guaranteed to meet with a fully certified provider.

2) Research specialties. Some PTs specialize in sports medicine and sports injuries, while others focus on training for dry needling therapy, occupational therapy (pain management for daily activities), massage therapy, or acupuncture. Most physical therapists can help treat a wide range of conditions, but consider checking if the PT has a specific focus, as you might get a more individualized treatment plan with a specialist.

3) Book a consultation first. Physical therapy can require several sessions. Some people elect for routine physical therapy to help prevent injuries. To connect with a physical therapist who's right for you, get a referral from your primary care provider or book a consultation with a clinic. Save 60% on your next physical therapy consult when you book with Sesame.

It depends! Physical therapy can cost anywhere from $30 - $350, depending on the therapist you see and the modality (type) of therapy you need. Sesame offers physical therapy visits with real, quality therapists in {{ Location Name}} at affordable cash-pay prices starting at around $25. New-patient physical therapy consultations start at around $130 for a 60-minute visit.

If you have a neurological condition that affects your ability to move (stroke, Parkinson's disease, MS), you may require at-home care. At-home physical therapy services can be more expensive than a visit to a physical therapy clinic but are beneficial for patients dealing with the issues listed above.

If you're looking to start physical therapy services and don't know where to start, book a visit with a real, quality physical therapist on Sesame and save up to 60% on your first appointment - no insurance needed. Yep, you read that right: you don't need an insurance provider to get great care through Sesame. From injury prevention to back pain relief, therapists on Sesame offer individualized treatment plans to help you live life pain-free. Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Book a new patient consultation for a physical evaluation and ask any questions you may have.

Get started on your wellness journey today with convenient and affordable physical therapy sessions on Sesame.

While physical therapy can help your body feel better as you age, there's one kind of physical therapy specifically designed to combat the physical fatigues associated with aging: geriatric physical therapy.

Geriatric physical therapy addresses a wide range of concerns and conditions related to aging, including complications from arthritis and osteoporosis. A geriatric physical therapist may help with physical fitness, mobility, and strength.

Some modalities of geriatric physical therapy treatment plans include:

• Aquatic aerobics
  
• Yoga
  
• Bodyweight strength training
  
• Gait correction
  
• Electrical stimulation
  
• Deep and/or soft tissue massage
  

Physical therapy isn't just for people with injuries. An individual may seek physical therapy services as a method of preventative medicine or general wellness care.

While physical therapy may not be immediately necessary, seeking maintenance therapy can help:

• Improve posture
  
• Increase body awareness
  
• Correct muscle imbalance
  
• Ease muscle tightness or pain
  
• Improve range of motion
  
• Increase mobility
  
• Diaphragmatic breathing
  
• Preparation for an athletic activity
  

Sesame offers affordable physical therapy visits with quality physical therapists in . If you are experiencing chronic pain, or want to improve your general wellness, book a visit today and save up to 60% on top-rated care from accredited physical therapists. You pay an upfront cash-pay price without the surprise bills or overhead that drives up cost.

Pain management is a field of medicine that focuses on alleviating chronic pain and improving the quality of life of patients who suffer from it. Pain management doctors use a diverse array of methods - from physical therapy to acupuncture to pain medication- to minimize and manage all sorts of chronic paints in patients.

The types of medical professionals who manage chronic pains and medical conditions vary significantly. Primary care physicians, pharmacists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, pain specialists, and other medical professionals can all work to diagnose your condition, manage your symptoms, and craft a treatment plan that's right for you.

Pain is a very human sensation. You'll probably feel a minor pain - whether from last night's weight workout or an uncomfortable office chair - at least once every day. But sometimes pain is more complicated. Here are some common pain conditions that warrant pain relief consultations:

Acute Pain: Acute pains are, as the name suggests, sudden occurrences. This pain is usually short-lived, but can be caused by:

• Surgery
  
• Sports injury
  
• Car accidents
  
• Burns
  
• Cuts
  
• Scrapes
  
• Falls
  
• Knee pain
  

Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is pain that doesn't go away. Clinically, the definition of chronic pain is pain that has not gone away after 6 months or longer. Causes of chronic pain include:

• Sciatica
  
• Lower back pain, neck pain, or lumbar problems
  
• Arthritis
  
• Diabetes pain
  
• Migraine
  
• Cancer pain
  

Nerve Pain: Nerve pain occurs when nerve endings become inflamed or damaged. Common sources of nerve pain include:

• Diabetes
  
• Cancer
  
• Multiple sclerosis
  
• Circulation problems
  
• Spinal cord injury
  

Interventional pain management uses invasive procedures and pain management treatments to manage and alleviate pain. Injections, spinal cord stimulation, nerve blocks, and infusions are all forms of interventional pain management - as doctors intervene in the body's processes to stop the pain.

Non-interventional pain management seeks to alleviate pain without the use of invasive procedures or injections. Exercise, physical therapy, and counseling are all examples of non-interventional techniques.