Exercise and Fibromyalgia

By Ellie Sweum, PT

Gateau Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

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Exercise and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS, is a chronic disorder that causes pain in your muscles and joints and is characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness in the joints, multiple tender points, fatigue, and interrupted sleep. Fibromyalgia is energy consuming and often causes people to feel depressed and hopeless. There are several medications on the market that claim to help with FMS symptoms, but exercise has proven to be one of the leading natural treatments for managing fibromyalgia symptoms.

So, exercise is proven to manage FMS symptoms, but your body already hurts and exercise is probably the last thing you feel like doing. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes per day is a natural option for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Exercise becomes a key component in healing FMS patients because a properly designed routine will improve the body tissues, decrease pain, and increase mobility.

The proper exercise routine will also strengthen ligaments and tendons and enhance muscle tone, increase flexibility, increase blood flow to muscle tissue, increase endorphins produced in the body which have natural pain-relieving and sleep-deepening effects, decrease the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, increase energy levels, decrease stress and depression levels associated with FMS, and promote weight loss and stress on your joints.

When you decide to take the next step and begin an exercise program, it is very helpful to work with someone who can get you set up with an appropriate exercise program. It's crucial to start slowly. Membership in a medically oriented gym is a great way to ensure the best possible results from your efforts. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are uniquely qualified to understand the affects of your symptoms and also possess the knowledge to develop a routine that takes your FMS symptoms and limitations into consideration and appropriately progress your exercise program.

With membership in a medically oriented gym, each client receives an assessment before beginning any program and is then re-assessed every 90 days. A medially oriented gym is staffed my physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are always available and are able to knowledgeably answer your questions, address your concerns, monitor your progress, and advance your program for maximum benefit.

Take advantage of the services that a medically oriented gym offers. Manage your fibromyalgia symptoms and engage in a healthier lifestyle.