The pain, headaches, and fatigue can be tough to cope with but in September's Health Check report you'll see that relief could be a splash away.

Just easing into the pool relieves some of Diane Sullivan's tension and pain. The 90-plus degree water helps but it's what she's doing in the water that really matters.

Aquatic therapy loosens Sullivan's muscles and joints. It's a huge relief for someone who used to be constantly tired and ache all over.

Doctors diagnosed her with fibromyalgia.

Diane says, "I thought, this isn't right. I'm not that old, I go to the gym, I do this and do that. What's wrong?"

Before aquatic therapy, Diane had tried a handful of medications for pain relief and to help her sleep. Nothing worked until she stepped into a pool.

Sullivan works with physical therapist Lori Long at Immanuel Rehab Center. Long knows all about living with fibromyalgia

She says, "Before the pool I was in severe pain on medications and now I don't even take medications. With working in the pool, getting stronger, getting my flexibility up, I manage really well."

The programs she puts together aren't a cure but they do help sufferers relax and be more comfortable. That often comes with an added bonus.

Long says, "A lot of fibromyalgia patients, when they start to advance their exercise level, they also get better sleep at night and that can really help manage symptoms and decrease pain."

Six weeks into aquatic therapy, Diane Sullivan sees and feels a difference.

She says, "The pain isn't as consistent as it used to be. On a pain level of one to 10, it was a seven or an eight. Now it's a five. So there is an improvement."

She's optimistic she'll see even more change allowing her to feel more like her old self

Alegent Health offers aquatic therapy at two locations: Immanuel and Lakeside. For more information call 572-2288.

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Bergan Mercy Medical Center	Immanuel Medical Center
Lakeside Hospital	Midlands Hospital
Mercy Hospital	Alegent Health Clinic