Erica Thompson asked:


What in the world is physiatry? Simply put, it is a specialized therapy that involves physical medicine and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system.  This is why fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, and other chronic pain sufferers can benefit from this therapy.  The focus of physiatry is on restoring function to patients.

Physiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.  They work to restore function lost due to injury, illness or a disabling condition and  provide non-surgical treatments and prevention.  Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone specialists who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. They have completed training in the medical specialty physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is characterized by tight, tender muscles, usually sore points in the neck, shoulders, chest, back, knees and hips. Insomnia, depression, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, restless legs syndrome, interstitial cystitis, mitral valve prolapse, cognitive dysfunction and more, are often associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is chronic.  Myofascial pain, though somewhat different, often accompanies FM.  Myofascial trigger points are taut bands or knots in the fascia that surrounds the muscle and every organ of the body.  Chronic myofascial pain is a debilitating disease (once also identified as a syndrome).

Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or devices, such as a brace. They also use a variety of therapies such as heat and cold, biofeedback, electrotherapies, trigger point injections, massage,  traction, and therapeutic exercise. Physiatrists do not perform surgery.

The Physical Medicine, Physiatrist, or Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation specialist’s goal is to arm the patient with techniques to improve their quality of life, even if the condition is chronic.  Each patient needs distinctive care and each patient needs to identify their own specific rehabilitation treatment goals.

Physiatrists use a combination treatment methods that are individualized for every patient.  A treatment plan will most likely include several of the following: education on fibromyalgia and/or chronic myofascial pain; medication; nutritional supplements; a pain management program (i.e., moist heat, bioelectric therapy, ultrasound, and more); exercise (only after pain is decreased) which consists of postural stretches, light aerobic conditioning, and toning exercises; manual therapy which includes therapeutic massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and adjustments; relaxation (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback, Yoga, Tai Chi);  home program – once what works best is discovered, the patient will need to follow through with a home program on a regular basis.

Always talk to your doctor before starting a new therapy or treatment regimen!  Together, you can decide what will work best for you.  Ask your primary caregiver about physiatry and how it might benefit you!  It’s time to start feeling better and living again!

 



Lillian

Andrew Mitchell asked:


An Osteopath’s Guide to Feeling Good Throughout Pregnancy

by Andrew Mitchell

As any mother will admit, pregnancy places tremendous strain on the body. On average, women gain around 30 pounds during pregnancy, resulting in a big postural change. It can be incredibly laborious to carry all that extra weight around, not to mention extremely exhausting for the body. Some of our leading osteopaths have offered some tips and exercises that you can do, even before going into labour, in order to assuage the physical burdens of pregnancy.

Work-out sessions: It is great to have a regular work-out routine when you are pregnant, but it is important that you adjust your routine accordingly depending on how much your body can take during pregnancy. We recommend doing three or four work-out sessions a week of approximately 30-minutes each during your first and second trimesters. When it comes to your third trimester, shorten your routine by 10 minutes so as to accommodate your heavier belly.

Types of Exercises: While cardio exercises can be beneficial, we recommend exercises that keep your heart rate controlled. It is good to break out sweat, but do not allow your heart rate to exceed 145 bpm. Exercises such as squats and lunges (without weights) are highly recommended, as well as swimming and brisk-walking. Swimming is particularly rewarding during your final trimester, as the water supports your body and relieves muscle tension. Cycling and gentle aerobics are also highly recommended. Carry out many short stretches before and after each work-out to stimulate the flood flow and improve the flexibility of your joints and muscles.

Movements/Exercises to Avoid: It is best to abstain from partaking in high-impact and contact sports, such as squash or football. When warming up, do not hold a stretch for longer than 5-6 seconds. If you hold a stretch too long when pregnant and vulnerable, your body release a hormone known as ‘relax’ which (while necessary for going into labour), when released prematurely, can damage the areas around the joints. Additionally, avoid overexerting yourself – this means that you should refrain from lifting heavy objects. 

Dietary tips: A balanced diet is, of course key to helping you, and your baby, feel at your best. Just because you are eating for two does not mean you have to eat twice as much as you normally do – a pregnant woman needs about 2500 calories every day.  In order to get the right amounts of energy and nutrition, it is advisable to eat something from each food group: fruits and vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, and protein (fish, meat, etc.).

Visit an Osteopath: In order to keep a close watch on the changes your body is going through, start seeing an osteopathic doctor early on in the first trimester. This way, if you are doing your exercises incorrectly, or if certain muscles are under too much strain, we can step in sooner than later.

It is never easy being pregnant, what with weight gain, back aches, raging hormones, and sheer exhaustion. But hopefully, with the help of an osteopath and the techniques above, your passage from pregnant woman to loving mother will not only be bearable, but enjoyable.



Glen