The Other Therapy- Physical and Occupational

A good way to learn how to live with Fibromyalgia and other conditions is to enlist the help of a medical therapist. These people have training in knowing the parts of the body including muscle groups, tendons etc. An occupational or physical therapist can help those with injuries or medical conditions have a more fulfilling and prosperous life.

Occupational Therapy

• Helps people to do regular daily and work activities
• Assist in regaining new skills or re-learning old ones
• Works with patient to discover goals, plan and outcomes
• Performed by occupational therapist (OT) or occupational therapy assistant (OTA)
• OTs hold a graduate degree (minimum) and are licensed
• OTAs supervised by an OT
• OTA hold an associate degree, licensed

Physical Therapy

• Can help with endurance, balance and strength
• Lessens pain and increases movement
• Develops a plan for treatment
• By physical therapist (PT) or physical therapy assistants (PTA)
• PTs hold a graduate degree (minimum), are licensed
• PTAs supervised by PTs
• PTAs may train patients on exercises, equipment
• PTAs hold associate degrees, certified or licensed

Hot and Cold For Pain Help

There are times that I forget (or deny) that I have Fibro and do stupid things.

     For example: Going in a cold air-conditioned room without a sweater, seeing a  movie in the park on a late summer/early Fall night and moving large pieces of furniture by myself.

To remedy my goofups, I use heat or ice for pain. sometimes I do both  (ie: icy hot). I will explain when I use each to help somebody else.

Cold  

• Used to numb pain or after exercising
• Make homemade ice packs
• Cool temperature numbing creams

Heat

• Used more than cold
• For stiffness, muscle spasms,
• In cold environments
• Homemade heat wrap
• Topical creams and ointments
• Electric blankets

• Heat pads