To most people that have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FM), the mere thought of exercising can be quite daunting. Those with Fibromyalgia do not want to increase their levels of pain and discomfort and therefore, tend to avoid exercise completely, thus starting a physical deconditioning that can further increase their discomfort.

Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood disorder that has widespread musculoskeletal pain with debilitating fatigue. Other associated symptoms associated with FM can be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), headaches, and poor sleeping habits to name a few. Each person with FM has varying degrees of these symptoms and these symptoms can vary day-to-day depending on many factors.

Currently there is not a “cure” for FM, but there are ways to manage this disorder. Treatment for FM can include medications, counseling, acupuncture, massage therapy, proper nutrition and exercise.

Most clinicians that work with people with FM agree that regular, low-to-moderate intensity exercise is most effective. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between too little and too much exercise with FM clients. Exercise can aggravate symptoms especially initially. This increase in pain or soreness will tend to lessen exercise compliance. As a result FM clients become deconditioned with associated decrease in functional ability. This decrease in function can affect the ability to perform everyday activities.

General protocol for exercise and FM starts off with a program that does not “push the envelope” of physical abilities. Exercise should be done in small and manageable time frames or sessions. The cardio-portion of exercise can be done in 5 or 10-minute segments spread throughout the day instead of one long session. Establishment of a balance between stretching tight muscles and increasing the strength of deep intrinsic muscles is very important. There should be an emphasis on strengthening postural muscles when developing a comprehensive exercise program for people with FM.

Exercise programs for people with FM need to be specific to the needs of the individual. The exercise program needs to be modified to how the client feels that day. It is important not to “push to the limit” beyond fatigue and into failure but to stay within that individual’s comfort zone.

So, yes a person with FM can exercise. Proper exercise compliance can result in improved sleeping habits and pain management with increased energy levels. These benefits can improve self-efficacy and self-esteem. There can be an improvement in posture and body mechanics. Those that take charge of their health can reap the rewards of increasing function, preventing osteoporosis, and increasing cardiovascular health. All of these benefits will generate a sense of well-being and accomplishment by getting in charge of your health.

Sources
Arthritis Foundation. 1997. Your Personal Guide to Living Well With Fibromyalgia. Marietta, GA: Longstreet Press Inc.
Dawes, J. Guidelines For Fibromyalgia. Strength Con. J. 24(6):16-17. 2002.
Salt, MD, William B., Season, MD, Edwin H. Fibromyalgia and the Mind Body Connection. Parkview Publishing.

- Donna Schneider, BS, PPT, CEAS, CES