Fibromyalgia

Hello Peter,

This is Samantha from the Healthcare Specialist Team. We answer health and wellness questions on behalf of Rick Kaselj. Thank you for reaching out to us in Healing Through Movement.

We’re so sorry to hear that you’ve ended up in the emergency room because of fibromyalgia. We understand how frustrating and scary flare-ups can be, rest assured that we’re here to assist you so you can manage this condition.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Please note that stretching exercises are helpful when muscles and joints are tight. At first, exercise may increase your pain. But doing it gradually and regularly often decreases symptoms. Good posture and relaxation exercises also are helpful.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and nonpainful signals.

A combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training, or strength training, has been linked to a reduction in pain, tenderness, stiffness, and sleep disturbance, in some patients. If exercise is helping with symptoms, it is important to maintain consistency to see progress.

I would like to share these exercises specific to fibromyalgia and see if they work for you:

Gentle Yoga Poses for Fibromyalgia
https://exercisesforinjuries.com/gentle-yoga-poses-for-fibromyalgia/

What Are The Best Yoga Poses for Fibromyalgia?
https://gentlestretching.net/blogs/yoga/what-are-the-best-yoga-poses-for-fibromyalgia

We also suggest that you start with aerobic activities (walking, swimming/water aerobics, running, bicycling, etc.) These activities increase your heart rate and breathing rate, as well as your body temperature so you sweat. These are normal responses to exercise. Typically, aerobic activities lead to the greatest benefits for fibromyalgia symptoms. Think about adding flexibility training and strength training later after your body has adapted to the overall increase in activity.

In doing the exercises, it is important that you start gradually and do not overwork your muscles as people with fibromyalgia are prone to fatigue.

Meanwhile, there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, but more treatment options and clearer diagnostic criteria are now available. Symptoms can improve significantly, as long as the patient follows their treatment plan.

Here are some articles that you may find informative about your condition:

The Impact of Exercise on Fibromyalgia
https://exercisesforinjuries.com/the-impact-of-exercise-on-fibromyalgia/

15 Tips to Make It Easier to Live With Fibromyalgia
https://exercisesforinjuries.com/15-tips-to-make-it-easier-to-live-with-fibromyalgia/

I hope this answers your concern, if you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll help you. Thank you and stay safe.