Return to blogs
Fibromyalgia

Exercises For Easing Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, cognitive decline, poor sleep, depression, and other symptoms. It affects around 4 million adults in the United States alone. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, certain exercises can help ease the symptoms and improve quality of life as outlined below:

1. Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise

Low-impact aerobic exercise is an effective way to manage fibromyalgia symptoms. It can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce pain and fatigue, and boost sleep quality. Examples of low-impact aerobic exercises include walking, cycling, swimming, and water aerobics.

2. Strength Training

When done in moderation, strength training is another beneficial exercise for people with fibromyalgia. It can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, increase pain tolerance, reduce muscle stiffness, and enhance overall physical function. Resistance bands, free weights, and bodyweight exercises are all effective forms of strength training.

3. Yoga

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. It can help promote relaxation and alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression – all of which have been known to exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.

4. Tai Chi

Tai chi is a gentle form of martial arts that involves slow, swift movements, meditation, and controlled breathing exercises. It is believed to help improve mood, reduce stress levels, promote better sleep quality, and increase mobility.

5. Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and posture. It can help improve balance, reduce pain and stiffness, and enhance overall physical function. Pilates can be customized to accommodate individual needs and limitations and has been shown to be effective in managing fibromyalgia-related symptoms.

6. Walking

Walking is a simple and accessible form of exercise that can be done almost anywhere. It can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce pain and stiffness, and boost mood. Whether it is a stroll around the block or a more brisk walk in the park, walking is a practical way to get your daily dose of physical activity.

7. Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises are a great way to maintain flexibility and range of motion in the body. They can also help ease stiffness, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall physical function. Like walking, stretching does not require any equipment and can be done anywhere.

8. Water Exercise

Water exercise is an excellent option for people with fibromyalgia, as it provides a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints. It can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce pain and stiffness, and enhance overall physical function. Water aerobics, swimming, and aquatic therapy are all effective forms of water exercise.

9. Dancing

Dancing is a fun and enjoyable way to get physical activity. It can help reduce pain and fatigue, improve balance, improve physical function, and boost mood. There are plenty of in-person and online dance classes available for all ages and fitness levels, so it is easy to find one that is right for you.

10. Mind-Body Exercises

Mind-body exercises, such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce stress, promote blood circulation, alleviate depression and anxiety, and improve overall well-being. These exercises cause no physical strain, making them ideal for people with fibromyalgia.

Final Thoughts

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition that can be difficult to treat. However, exercises have been shown to help reduce pain and fatigue, increase pain tolerance, improve physical function, and boost mental and emotional well-being in people with fibromyalgia.

Nevertheless, it is important to find exercises that work for you and always listen to your body – overexertion from too much exercise can make your symptoms worse.

[Please Contact Us For Any Help!]