Physiotherapy can play a valuable role in managing fibromyalgia by addressing the symptoms and improving overall physical function. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a multidisciplinary approach that includes physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. Here are some ways in which physiotherapy can help individuals with fibromyalgia:

1. Pain management: Physiotherapists can use various techniques to help manage pain associated with fibromyalgia. These may include manual therapy, such as soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization, to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.
2. Exercise therapy: Regular exercise is an essential component of managing fibromyalgia. However, it’s crucial to approach exercise carefully to avoid exacerbating symptoms. A physiotherapist can design an individualized exercise program that includes a combination of aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling. This can help improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall energy levels.
3. Education and self-management strategies: Physiotherapists can provide education and guidance on self-management strategies for individuals with fibromyalgia. This may include advice on pacing activities and energy conservation techniques to reduce strain on the body. They can also educate patients about proper posture, body mechanics, and relaxation techniques to manage pain and stress.
4. Sleep management: Sleep disturbances are common in fibromyalgia. Physiotherapists can provide recommendations for improving sleep quality and offer relaxation techniques to promote better sleep quality.
5. Stress reduction: Stress can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. Physiotherapists may incorporate stress reduction techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga to help individuals manage stress levels and improve overall well-being.
6. Assistive devices and aids: In some cases, physiotherapists may recommend the use of assistive devices, such as braces or splints, to support joints and reduce pain during activities. They can also provide guidance on the proper use of assistive devices to maximize their benefits.

It’s important to note that each individual with fibromyalgia may have different needs and responses to treatment. A physiotherapist will assess the specific symptoms, limitations, and goals of the patient and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist, to receive personalized advice and guidance for managing fibromyalgia.

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A high intensity interval training (HIIT) is short but intensive training and is considered to be very effective and fits even the busiest schedules. During a HIIT, the person performs exercises that cause the heart rate to increase followed by a period of rest or light exercises that allow the heart rate to decrease. A single training session usually lasts 15-20 minutes.

It is important to remember that a HIIT is not suitable for everyone and beginners should always start with shorter bouts and build up their exercise slowly and gradually. Some of the health benefits of a HIIT are:

1. It boosts metabolism.
2. Burns energy during and after the workout.
3. Improves muscle strength.
4. You can do it anywhere and anytime as these sessions consist mainly of bodyweight exercises.
5. It helps in hormonal and blood glucose regulation.
6. Evidence-based research shows that it is an effective method to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Some exercises that are often performed during high-intensity interval training are jump squats, plank jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers.

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Rand Al-Najim

ProHealth365 Physiotherapy and Nutrition

Obesity is recognised as a disease by the World Health Organization as well as a few countries including Japan, Portugal, Italy, and more recently Germany. However, in Ireland and many other countries, we are still behind in recognising obesity as a disease, despite of all the current knowledge around its pathophysiology.

This year, the G20, an international forum from 19 countries and the EU took place in Saudi Arabia. Prohealth365 attended part of the activities, particularly the C20 sessions and witnessed many interesting topics covered by civil society organizations.

Importantly, Prohealth365 was also able to contribute to the C20 sessions via our Nutritionist, Dr Werd Al-Najim. Werd joined a panel of obesity experts consisted of the Chair Dr Ghalia Abdeen, Prof Carel le Roux, and Dr Alex Miras. They discussed the facts behind recognising obesity as a disease and the current treatment options around the world. Moreover, they described the reality of harsh stigmas and unhealthy attitudes in obesity care. Importantly, they also discussed how obesity stigma hindered the appropriate recognition of obesity as a disease.

The consensus amongst participants is that obesity stigma requires attention within the healthcare sectors. A number of strategies can be put in place to combat obesity stigma to facilitate the recognition of obesity as a disease. For example, some of the strategies that were suggested by Dr Werd Al-Najim were as follows:

•Encourage patient-centered communications and empathy.

•Introduction of zero-tolerance policies for comments or humour against people living with obesity. 

•Increase obesity education and awareness campaigns. 

•Provide more welcoming and less threating environment to patients with obesity. 

You can have access to the full recording of the session via this link.

KAYL Association for Combating Obesity was the driver of this important session. KAYL is the first non-profitable organization in the field of obesity and are primary advocates for recognising obesity as a disease in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Authored by Prohealth365