Fibromyalgia is a challenging condition that causes pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. While there is no cure, service dogs for fibromyalgia can significantly improve the lives of those affected. These remarkable animals are trained to provide support in various ways. Let’s explore six ways service dogs help people with fibromyalgia.
Mobility and Balance
Fibromyalgia can make it difficult to move and maintain balance due to pain and stiffness. Service dogs are trained to assist their owners with standing up, walking, getting in and out of bed, and even getting in and out of the tub. Their support is invaluable in ensuring individuals with fibromyalgia can maintain their mobility and independence.
Fetching Things
People with fibromyalgia often experience difficulty in performing everyday tasks due to pain and limited mobility. Service dogs can be trained to fetch items from around the house, such as medications, clothing, or objects that have fallen down. Their assistance eliminates the physical strain of bending or reaching, making daily life more manageable.
Clear a Path
In addition to fetching things, service dogs can also clear a path for their owners to navigate more easily. They can pick up items from the floor, close drawers, move chairs aside, and even push elevator buttons or open and close doors. These simple tasks may seem small, but they make a big difference for individuals with fibromyalgia.
Bring Back Feeling to Warm/Numb Skin
Fibromyalgia often causes temperature regulation issues and numbness or tingling sensations. Service dogs for fibromyalgia can provide deep pressure therapy or share their body heat to warm up their owners and reduce numbness. This physical contact not only helps with temperature regulation but also provides comfort and relief from symptoms.
Warn About Symptoms
Service dogs have an incredible ability to sense changes in their owner’s body and behavior. They can alert their owners to oncoming medical issues such as seizures, migraines, or dizziness. By providing an early warning, service dogs can prevent accidents and ensure their owners receive the necessary care promptly.
Emotional Support and Physical Symptoms
While service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, their presence alone offers tremendous emotional support. They can provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress. This emotional support can have a positive impact on both mental and physical well-being, as stress is known to trigger fibromyalgia flare-ups.
It’s important to note that a service dog for fibromyalgia requires extensive training and is different from an emotional support or therapy dog. If you or someone you know could benefit from a service dog, reach out to support organizations or dog trainers in your area to get the process started.
For more information and helpful resources, visit Pet Lovers Diary.