Fibromyalgia is a syndrome where a person experiences fatigue, depression, insomnia, and chronic muscle pain – usually associated with certain “trigger points” that are exquisitely sensitive to pressure or touch. A person with this relatively common, and sometimes debilitating condition, often feels tired as soon as they wake up in the morning and may experience generalized aches and a feeling of heaviness throughout the day. Medications are often used to treat fibromyalgia, but many people experience side effects. One natural fibromyalgia treatment that’s been proposed is a regular exercise program. Can exercise provide relief for fibromyalgia pain?

Exercise for Fibromyalgia: Does It Work?

There’s good news when it comes to exercise and fibromyalgia. Exercise can effectively reduce the symptoms in those who do it regularly – and a variety of studies have confirmed this. Aerobic exercise for at least thirty minutes three to four days per week helps to reduce the fatigue which is such a pervasive symptom in fibromyalgia sufferers. Not only does it help with fatigue, but it also gives people with fibromyalgia a positive sense of well being and reduces depression and insomnia.

What Type of Exercise for Fibromyalgia is Best?

Aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia reduces fatigue, but strength training helps with the muscle aches and pain. Even better is a combination of the two. According to a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine a program consisting of aerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises provides the most benefits for people with fibromyalgia symptoms. Not only does this combination help with physical symptoms, it also improves emotional health and makes fibromyalgia patients more comfortable entering into social situations.

Why is Exercise for Fibromyalgia So Effective?

Exercise – especially high intensity aerobic exercise – causes release of endorphin, natural brain chemicals that give a person a sense of well being. These endorphins help to reduce the sensation of pain, improve mood, and help with insomnia – all problems that fibromyalgia patients deal with on a daily basis.

The only problem with exercise for fibromyalgia is that many sufferers are reluctant to do it because of their lack of energy and generalized aches; but those that make the effort usually experience positive results beyond what can be achieved by taking fibromyalgia medications such as Lyrica.

Filed under: Fitness

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!