How to Exercise with Fibromyalgia

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By irishr
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Fibromyalgia is one of the hardest conditions to diagnose. The symptoms are not unique-pain all over, being tired all the time, IBS, headaches etc. But there is one thing that can really tip the evidence towards Fibromyalgia and that is the fact that a Fibromyalgia sufferer becomes very sensitive to different sensory stimulation. For instance, they are very sensitive to touch and have heightened sensitive to taste and sound. Proper exercise is an important part in treating Fibromyalgia, but should always be done with the knowledge of the patients doctor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Determine your limitations. Everyone has a different exercise level and it is important to know what you cannot do, especially if there are other conditions to consider besides Fibromyalgia: arthritis, heart conditions and so forth. If you doctor says don’t do it, then don’t. There are plenty of low impact exercises that will help. It is also important to pick exercises you will enjoy doing. Motivation is very important.
Step 2

Connect with a physical therapist who is knowledgeable about Fibromyalgia. Your doctor or hospital will be able to give you a referral. Listen to them. Do only the exercises they recommend. If they say 15 minutes to start with, then do 15 minutes, not 30. Miracles do not happen overnight and you do not want to do more harm than good. Even when you feel great, don’t go overdo the exercise. You could end up paying big time and setting yourself behind your exercise schedule.
Step 3

Pick the exercises you like the best. Stretching exercises are some of the best for Fibromyalgia. Take a leisurely walk around the block, then gradually build it up to going around two blocks. Take the old bike down from the rack and give it some exercise too. Or, get a stationary bike. Swimming is a great stretching exercise. Chances are that the physical therapy office will have an exercise pool. These exercises also have another benefit. They are all good for the cardiovascular system.
Step 4

Check out aerobics exercises, but low impact. Any type that will stretch the muscles. You can even do them while sitting in a chair watching the TV. Make sure to keep up with your medication. Many people make the mistake of thinking that once they feel good, they can stop.
Step 5

Consult your doctor if your pain gets any worse, but if you follow the guide lines set out for you, there is no reason why you not feel better and stronger. There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, not yet anyway, but you can lean to manage Fibromyalgia.

Comments

sherryeam said

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on 2/14/2009 Good ideas. I had a wonderful physical therapist who helped me a lot. Unfortunately she moved from the area.I am really trying to come up with ideas to make sure I work out/or do something regularly. It's really difficult because of the ups and downs of fibro to get it worked in and just part of life.

sunnflr said

on 7/4/2008 I found that when I was able to do strength training exercises my fibro got a little better. Unfortunately we had to move and I had no where for my weight bench. If I can ever afford a gym I will start back again. Until then I use freeweights, but it's not the same.

LSpradlin said

on 5/29/2008 Thank you very much. I am a Fibro patient and other than swimming I've had a hard time finding things that don't aggravate the condition. I will research the low impact aerobics to find specific movements that may help loosen muscles. Thank you again!