Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by chronic and widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, among other symptoms. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary in severity and may be triggered by stress, illness, or physical activity. While medication may be necessary, there are alternative and complementary forms of treatment that can reduce these symptoms. At Re-Gen, we offer several of these therapies.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Several studies have been conducted on hyperbaric oxygen and fibromyalgia, and the results have been promising. In one study, 40 sessions of HBOT led to a 30% reduction in pain, a 31% improvement in fatigue, a 31% improvement in depression, a 35.4% improvement in sleep quality, and a 26% improvement in quality of life compared to the control group. In another study, 20-40 sessions of HBOT were able to reduce pain by up to 50%. Other research has shown that HBOT can increase pain tolerance and decrease tender points in fibromyalgia patients.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has also been successfully studied for its effects on fibromyalgia. One study found that 42 30-minute sessions of PEMF led to a 27% improvement in quality of life, a 29% reduction in pain, and a 25% improvement in depression compared to a control group. Another study found that after one 30-minute PEMF session, pain was reduced in those with fibromyalgia. Patients who slept on a PEMF mattress for 16 weeks also reported significant improvements in pain, fatigue, total myalgic score, pain distribution drawing, reported sleep, and physical functioning compared to a control.

Cryotherapy and Infrared Heat

Cryotherapy has also been studied in fibromyalgia, with one study showing that 10 sessions of cryotherapy led to significant improvements in pain, overall health status, and coping abilities compared to the control group. Another study found that 6 sessions of cryotherapy resulted in significant reductions in pain, fatigue, and depression in fibromyalgia patients when compared to a placebo group. A study with infrared heat showed that pain, quality of life, and number of tender spots all were significantly improved when infrared heat therapy was added to the standard of care for fibromyalgia. Other studies on fibromyalgia found that regular infrared heat therapy led to significant improvements in pain, disease symptoms, and quality of life.

Targeted Nutritional Supplementation

At Re-Gen, we also provide high-quality nutritional supplements that have been shown to improve symptoms related to fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that amino acids and B vitamins (found in our Gut Health Blend), CoQ10, Vitamin D, and Omega-3s (found in our Health Aging Blend), and turmeric and chlorella (found in our Antioxidant Blend), among others vitamins we offer here, can help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.

Exercise and Recovery

Exercise can be difficult with fibromyalgia, but it’s also important to improve health and physical function in this disease. Therefore, recovery therapies are often necessary in conjunction with exercise, and in fact we have seen that the combination of exercise and our recovery is a powerful tool for addressing fibromyalgia. Research also supports this, as one study showed using an infrared sauna with a swimming regimen was able to decrease pain and increase quality of life compared to just swimming alone. Another study investigated the combination of cryotherapy and Tai Chi and showed significant improvements in the number of missed workdays, ability to perform at work, pain, fatigue, sleep, stiffness, and feelings of well being compared to Tai Chi alone. More research into the combination of exercise and hyperbaric oxygen therapy found that 40 ninety-minute HBOT sessions along with cardio/strength workouts led to a significant reduction in pain, fatigue, and quality of life.