Exercise for people with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a rather painful condition characterized by pain caused by pressing many trigger points on the body. People suffering form this medical condition sometimes do not even consider exercising. What they actually do not known is that certain activities such as yoga, stretching and swimming may have positive effects and even help in pain reduction.

The Importance of Exercises for People with Fibromyalgia

Exercises keep muscles strong and flexible, therefore, may be efficient in control over pain too. These patients used to be advised not to engage in any kind of physical activity but instead to have plenty of rest. Today doctors are aware of the fact patients suffering from fibromyalgia simply need to increase range of motion, strengthen their muscles and remain physically active.

People suffering from fibromyalgia are due to engage in regular physical activity. By doing so they will burn extra calories and establish control over their weight, give range-of-motions to painful muscles and joints, improve their quality of sleep, increase aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health, increase energy and reduce pain. One will have better outlook on life, improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety levels and depression. Exercises additionally stimulate growth hormone production and secretion of endorphins (happy hormones).

Exercises for Fibromyalgia Patients

Most patients suffering from fibromyalgia can significantly benefit from walking, strength training as well as stretching exercises. Apart from dealing with symptoms of the condition, these activates also improve one's sense of well-being.

Patients are due to focus on three types of exercises.

The first one includes range-of-motion (stretching) exercises. They improve moving of the joints and after a while joints become more mobile without associated pain.

Furthermore, there are endurance or conditioning exercises such as walking, biking, swimming etc. which strengthen muscles but also tone muscles and provide with better coordination and endurance. These exercises are a great option for people who additionally want to lose weight.

Finally, strengthening exercises make muscles stronger and are of great help for these patients. They can efficiently alleviate pain.

What about Low-Impact Exercises?

Even these exercises have been shown efficient for people suffering from fibromyalgia. Yoga is, for instance, excellent for stress reduction as well as muscle tension and pain relief. Tai chi increases the sense of a balance and at the same time improves performance of these patients when it comes to household tasks. With tai chi, the back of these patients is kept flexible and strong. Finally, pilates improves breathing and strengthens the torso muscles.