Fibromyalgia Exercises

One of the suggestions for the Ultimate Blog Challenge a few days ago  was to find and post a relevant article from Ezine articles.  

I really enjoyed this article because it talks about some basic exercise programs that can help Fibromyalgia.  In general, any gentle exercise program can help most people with Fibromyalgia in terms of coping with symptoms. If you're considering starting an exercise program, you should talk to your medical team about what would be the best fit in terms of programs and place in terms of frequency and difficulty to start for your individual needs.  

I also appreciate that this article entitled "Fibromyalgia Exercises" is written by a man (Jerry Stecklein) who also has a blog sharing the male perspective of life with Fibromyalgia.  With an estimated 20% of people who are diagnosed with Fibromaylgia being male, I think it is wonderful to see the myth that Fibromyalgia is a woman's disease being debunked again!

As far as exercise, I find yoga, walking,  and water aerobics (hydrotherapy) to be the best fits for me.  Which do you find work best for you?

So, without further ado, here is the article:

Fibromyalgia Exercises

By Jerry E Stecklein

The medical community has known for years that appropriate exercise tailored to fit the often body-wide muscles/fascia effected will provide multiple benefits. Research in this area of fibromyalgia treatment is now showing dramatic relief of physical/mental symptoms for a large percentage of the fibromyalgia population.

The need for tailoring any exercise program for each fibromyalgia patient is paramount due to the wide range of symptoms, and overall fitness levels when beginning any exercise program. Types of exercise programs vary widely, and those included for fibromyalgia are:

1) Hydrotherapy, and often provided with prescription from your doctor in most locals. Hydrotherapy for fibromyalgia patients is best performed in heated pools due to effects of colder temperatures for many with fibromyalgia.

2) Combination exercise therapies, and often found at out-patient pain clinic programs. Exercises often included in these programs include specific stretching for all major muscle groups, walking, light weight lifting, and some type of light aerobic exercise. Hydrotherapy also included with many of these programs.

3) Yoga is a relatively new exercise program for fibromyalgia, but many report amazing benefits from this type of therapy.

4) Tai Chi is a new entry relatively speaking for fibromyalgia exercises. Research/clinical trials over the past year or two have shown many involved in these research projects have found relief, and added benefits include weight loss, less brain fog, etc. Many desired to continue Tai Chi after studies were completed.

This is a small sample of exercise programs available today for those suffering from fibromyalgia. While movement in the beginning for many suffering with fibromyalgia is both frightening, and brings more pain, the overall benefits have been proven over and over.

Personally this author can report tremendous benefits when I stick to a light exercise program. Nearly twenty years ago I was introduced to exercise benefits for fibromyalgia after being referred to a pain clinic for a 3 week out-patient treatment program.

One benefit from this 3 week stay at the pain clinic involved learning specific stretching exercises for fibromyalgia. I have held tightly to this knowledge, and to this day still use these stretching techniques often for pain relief, etc.

In addition to the stretching exercises that can easily be found with on-line search I also try to walk two to three days weekly. Please consult with your doctor before attempting any exercise programs. When weather will not cooperate I have found inexpensive exercise tool which allows me to get similar results by purchasing stretch cords/athletic training cords, and belt. This system utilizes door jamb for resistance, and I then either walk or slow jog in place among other exercises.

Is exercise the magic bullet for fibromyalgia relief? I would submit it is not, but with exercise programs tailored to fit each individual with this disease, and additional changes in lifestyle along with natural treatment alternatives, and in many instances medications, dramatic results are happening for many.

I will freely admit to failure on occasions when it comes to sticking to the exercise protocol. Many, including myself often find it difficult just getting out of bed due to the devastating fibromyalgia symptoms that are non-stop for so many of us.

Finding the inner strength, courage, and stamina to tell this disease you will exercise is anything but easy. The benefits however for those who can make it through the initial first week to ten days of additional pain are worth it and so much more.

I would invite all with fibromyalgia who read this to immediately start your research into fibromyalgia exercises, and then after consulting with your doctor develop a plan to begin your exercise program tailored to you. Please let me know how you're feeling at the end of week number three! I firmly believe you will be impressed with the benefits from fibromyalgia exercises.

I have recently created a new blog to address fibromyalgia issues/pitfalls, and in particular male fibromyalgia. As a man who has lived with fibromyalgia for 35 plus years I will share my story over time including highly personal information that for to long has been in the shadows. Please visit and take advantage of free e-books. http://www.malefibromyalgia.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_E_Stecklein