Fibromyalgia Treatment

Physical Therapy for Fibromyalgia in Wasilla, Alaska

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome that causes persistent body-wide pain and tenderness in the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments). It is most common among women (age 20-50 years old) and has been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety. Typically, fibromyalgia syndrome indicates that the condition is multi-factorial, indiscriminate, and unpredictable.

Multifactorial – more than one structure is injured or impaired which means that symptoms are poorly patterned and injured structures are difficult to isolate.

Indiscriminate – not everyone with fibromyalgia has the same presentation. It can be confused or associated with chronic back or neck pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, and lyme disease.

Unpredictable – myofascial pain can include local and referred pain due to ‘trigger points’ and pain related changes that impact every aspect of life.

The challenge with fibromyalgia is pinpointing which structures are injured and determining the most promising treatments. Lack of specific diagnosis and treatment may be the reason fibromyalgia problems tend to become chronic. Northern Edge Physical Therapy understands the challenges faced by those suffering from fibromyalgia and are seeking fibromyalgia treatment. Our examination is designed to be specific allowing us to identify structures which are either causing pain or delaying healing. Our fibromyalgia treatment is directed towards the pain and the barriers to healing. We offer specialized fibromyalgia physical therapy programs to help achieve pain-relief and enhance performance.

“Been coming here for a 8 months using dry needling with Garrick. It has helped my shoulder better then anything in the last 10 years. Highly recommended!”

Jacob Philbin

“Just had my third visit and already feeling better love the friendly and helpful staff”

Wanda “Sharee Love” Ballard

“The best PT office in the Valley!  Excellent staff from front office to physical therapists and exercise specialists.  Highly recommend!  They treat each patient individually meeting specific needs.”

 Kathy Voran

“This was the best experience I’ve ever had at a medical clinic, and that’s no exaggeration.”

 James Wallace

WHY DO I HURT?

  • Here is what happens: Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, there are some likely culprits. Trauma (physical or emotional) and an abnormal pain response are possible causes of painful tender points that develop in each region of the body. Pain becomes a limiting factor that impairs sleep, activity and diet.
  • Until you get better: Movement is the fuel of all life and promotes healing. Some movement is better than none especially in the case of fibromyalgia. Healing is often delayed in situations where anxiety and fear of re-injury prevents movement.
  • Repeat injury: Inflammation prevents nutrients from reaching injured tissues. Some inflammation is natural during the healing process but it can become excessive and persistent due to inactivity, stress, repeated trauma and lack of treatment. Other weakened or deconditioned areas not affected by the original injury can become painful and limited due to persistent inflammation and lack of movement.
  • Trigger pain reflex: Pain triggers a reflexive change in movement patterns. Movement becomes un-natural and leads to imbalanced posture, uncontrolled motion and excessive guarding. Pain can easily become a training aide that reshapes movement patterns and alters muscle activation in efforts to protect and shield tissues/joints from further injury. However, just like inflammation this pain driven reflex can become excessive and persistent.

    How We Treat It

    Fortunately, we have effective treatments for fibromyalgia. At Northern Edge Physical Therapy, our team of skilled and compassionate professionals will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals. This may include a combination of exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future flare-ups.

    What You Can Do

    Don’t let fibromyalgia control your life any longer. Book an appointment at Northern Edge Physical Therapy today and start your journey to recovery. Our team is ready to help you overcome this condition and get back to living your best life. Plus, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances are of a quick and successful recovery. Don’t delay – book your appointment at Northern Edge Physical Therapy now.

    WHAT MAKES NORTHERN EDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY THE BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY IN WASILLA FOR FIBROMYALGIA

    Technology

    Northern Edge Physical Therapy has the most advanced analysis and recovery equipment in the state of Alaska.

    Comprehensive care

    Our treatment approach is different because it’s centered on you, the client.

    One-on-one treatment

    While you will have the support of a team at Northern Edge Physical Therapy, you will have a primary physical therapist who is with you every step of the way managing your care and monitoring your progress.

    Tailored treatment

    Your treatment at Northern Edge Physical Therapy is specific to your needs and goals.  We provide each client a custom roadmap to wellness with appointments, activities, and timeline. 

    Meet Your Provider

    Dr. Garrick Herr

    Garrick has always has a passion for helping others and has helped many recover from fibromyalgia. It only took a brief job shadow to start him on the path to becoming a physical therapist. He completed Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Promotion from Canadian University College in Alberta Canada. During college, he managed to find time to play competitive hockey and become director for a local youth mentorship program.

    Garrick graduated in 2006 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from Loma Linda University in California. He knew Alaska was the place to call home. He moved to Wasilla and started practicing Physical Therapy with an emphasis on Orthopedics.

    Over the last decade Garrick has cared for thousands of clients in the Mat-Su Valley. He has attended hundreds of hours of continuing education, and works closely with clients to help them overcome pain and functional limits so they can return to work and get back to enjoying all that Alaska has to offer.

    Garrick believes that helping people goes beyond the walls of the clinic, he has given his time volunteering for local groups such as; Family Promise, Walk for Hope, Special Olympics, and coaching local youth hockey organizations.

    In his spare time he enjoys backcountry snowboarding, hockey, snow-machining, flying, and spending time in nature with his young family.

    Get The Care You Need

    Booking an appointment is easy. Either give us a call or click the button below to fill out a new patient form. We look forward to seeing you soon!