Cure and treatments
Ways to Feel Better
Move Your Body:
Doing exercises like running, swimming, or stretching helps your nerves calm down. It might hurt a bit at first, but it’s like training your body to stop overreacting to pain.
Physical therapy (PT) teaches you moves to make you stronger and feel less pain over time.
Talk It Out:
Talking to a therapist (like through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT) helps you handle stress, which can make pain worse. They teach you tricks like focusing on fun stuff instead of pain.
Things like deep breathing, meditation, or imagining calm places can also lower pain.
Daily Activities:
Occupational therapy (OT) helps you get back to school, sports, or hanging out with friends by making your body stronger and less sensitive to touch.
Special Programs:
Some hospitals have programs where you do PT, OT, and talk therapy all together. These can last a few weeks and help you get back to normal. For example, kids like Abigail got back to playing soccer after these programs!
Acupuncture:
Tiny needles (or even needle-free options) can help with pain, headaches, or trouble sleeping. It’s like pressing a “reset” button on your body.
Sleep Better:
If you’re not sleeping well, it can make pain worse. Learning good sleep habits, like a bedtime routine or relaxing before bed, can help.
Medications:
Doctors usually avoid strong pain meds because they don’t fix the problem. Sometimes, they might give you meds to help with mood or sleep, but exercise and therapy are the main focus.
Desensitize Pain:
If light touches hurt, therapists might gently press on sore spots to help your nerves get used to it. This makes the pain less intense over time.
Chill Out Stress:
Stress from school, friends, or family can make AMPS worse. Things like yoga, talking to someone, or taking breaks can help you feel calmer.
Key Things to Know
You Can Get Better: AMPS isn’t permanent. With hard work, most teens get back to doing what they love, like sports or hanging out with friends.
It’s Real Pain: The pain isn’t “in your head,” but stress or worry can make it feel worse. That’s why therapy and exercise are so important.
Stay Active: Even if it’s tough, moving your body every day is one of the best ways to feel better.
Avoid Extra Tests: Lots of tests like X-rays aren’t needed for AMPS and might make you worry more. Doctors can usually figure it out by talking to you and checking your body.
What to Expect
Most teens with AMPS get a lot better with these treatments. Some even become totally pain-free! It takes effort, but sticking with exercise, therapy, and stress management can help you feel like yourself again. Talk to your doctor about a plan that’s right for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!