Your Villa Magazine - Foothill Cities - November-January - 2023

What Is Fibromyalgia and What Are the Recommended Treatment Options? Debbi Huskey, PT, CLT Fibromyalgia Program Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare In “Fibromyalgia: Creating a Treatment Plan,” Carol DerSarkissian, MD states, “Fibromyalgia is a complicated condition. It has no specific causes or Nnown cure. <et for those who have it³as many as one in 5 Americans³the chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological strain of fibromyalgia are all too clear. “Fibromyalgia symptoms are treatable, however. 0any experts believe the best treatment is a multifaceted approach that combines medication with lifestyle changes and alternative treatments. <ou may need to worN with your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly others to tailor a treatment plan to your needs.” She adds, “Exercise is an important part of managing fibromyalgia symptoms. It can relieve pain, stress, and anxiety. The Ney is to start slowly. %egin with stretching and low-impact activities, such as walNing, swimming or other water exercises, or bicycling. /ow-impact aerobic exercises such as yoga, tai chi, or Pilates can also be helpful. If you want to increase the intensity of your exercise, talN with your doctor.” )ibromyalgia can significantly affect a patient’s Tuality of life and lead to extensive use of healthcare services. Common symptoms include tenderness, sleep disturbance, decreases in physical functioning, and disruptions in psychological and cognitive functioning such as memory problems, diminished mental clarity, mood disturbances, and lacN of well-being. The pain of fibromyalgia is often increased by a variety of factors, which may include exercising too much, being in one position for too long, or doing activities such as chores and cooking. 3eople often experience excessive sensitivity to touch, bright lights, loud noises, and fragrances, as well as heightened reactions to cold and heat. This increased pain can last from hours to several weeNs. 3eople diagnosed with fibromyalgia often state, “It’s liNe I have the aching flu all the time, night and day.” This constant, aching pain can lead to frustration, mood swings, depression, and general discouragement. It becomes difficult not only for the person with fibromyalgia, but also for their family and friends. At Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in 3omona, we offer supervised wellness programs that address these issues, and we follow a fibromyalgia treatment model that Dr. DerSarkissian recommends. This includes warm-water pool exercise, yoga, tai chi, and general exercise, as well as educational sessions to learn about the long- term management of symptoms to improve mobility and function. 2ur program also emphasi]es lifestyle strategies such as pacing, energy conservation, nutrition, mindfulness, stress-reduction techniTues, and general physical and occupational therapy support for individual medical issues. In addition, Casa Colina offers a free monthly support group for adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia that provides educational and personal support. To learn more, call 5 -7733, ext. 35 . H E A L T H + B E A U T Y 28 | YourVilla Magazine Expires December 31, 2022 All coupons must be redeemed in store and cannot be used for Easyshop (online) purchases sampabjj.com 903 East Route 66, Glendora (626) 335-4971 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4 for All Ages and Levels 4 Mix Martial Arts 4 Fitness Kickboxing In Person and Virtual Classes Builds Discipline and Confidence 2-WEEK FREE OFFER Limited time. A great gift idea!