Fibromyalgia- Low Level Laser Therapy

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes generalised musculoskeletal pain, for more than three months. This musculoskeletal pain will present as stiffness or tenderness in the muscles and bones. The patient will also experience fatigue and sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia affects 2-5% of the population, primarily affecting women in the 35-60 age bracket, and is also the second most common presentation seen by rheumatologists. Fibromyalgia is found in 10-40% of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, however is has been thought to be most likely attributed to being an autoimmune disorder, and having low serotonin levels, lowered pain threshold levels and interruption of sleep. Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose as there is no single test or examination that says the pain is caused by fibromyalgia. To diagnose fibromyalgia, the patient must have persistence of generalised musculoskeletal pain for a minimum of three months, and tenderness of at least 11 of the 18 bilateral sites. These tender points are located at the subocciptals, lower cervical, upper trapezius, supraspinatus, second rib, lateral epicondyle, gluteals, greater trochanter and medial knee. As a part of diagnosing fibromyalgia, patients are usually x-rayed and sent for blood tests to eliminate other possible causes of the chronic musculoskeletal pain that they are experiencing. Some chronic conditions that have a similar presentation include- rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, chronic fatigue syndrome. Being a metabolic disorder, and not purely musculoskeletal, it is important to test for increased intestinal permeability and liver function. Cold laser therapy can be used for patients to help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain, improving function. It has been found low level laser therapy has assisted in the recovery of approximately 75% of fibromyalgia sufferer’s over a one-year period. Here at Lakeside Laser in Joondalup-Perth our technicians are trained to use cold laser therapy/ low level laser therapy for fibromyalgia. We have specific low laser therapy protocol that we follow and have had very good results with it thus far. Lakeside Laser is located in Central Walk, Joondalup – central to Perth’s northern suburbs. We have visitors who visit us from surrounding suburbs of Hillarys, Sorrento, Marmion, Duncraig, Carine, Ocean Reef, Edgewater, Woodvale, Carramar, Kinross and Currambine. Call us for an appointment on 9300 0095 or book via our “Contact” tab on the website. Our Perth trained technicians are ready and able to help you live your life to its fullest.