Physical activity plays an important role in the overall health of all people, young and old. Fibromyalgia patients are no exception. Physical activity should be incorporated into the day to day life of Fibromyalgia patients, not only to maintain their overall health but also as way to manage the various symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia.
It is completely understandable for those who live with the pain and fatigue associated with Fibromyalgia to want to decrease the amount of physical activity they take part in. By decreasing physical activity, what can end up being the result is a sedentary lifestyle, which will only amplify the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia and may contribute to the development of various other medical conditions.
The fact is, maintaining physical activity to some degree offers many benefits for Fibromyalgia patients. The key to maintaining physical activity or “exercising” is in the movements. The focus of activity for Fibromyalgia patients should be maintaining therapeutic movements to heal the body, and to avoid harming the already sore and injured muscles of the body.
Therapeutic movements encourage blood flow to the tissue of the body. This increase in blood flow promotes the healing of damaged tissue that can cause painful symptoms such as painful and stiff muscles and fascia. Movement also increases the fluid that your body produces naturally between the joint spaces, helping to lubricate joints and helping to decrease arthritic pain.
Increased blood flow also helps with memory and increases our ability to focus. The increase in blood flow helps to fuel the brain, and can combat the common symptoms of Fibromyalgia such as poor memory, difficulty with concentration, and an overall decrease in cognition
Staying physically active also helps fibromyalgia patients by encouraging the brain to release endorphins throughout the body. Endorphins are your body’s painkillers. When released, endorphins help to manage the pain sensation that we are experiencing.
Regular activity during the day can also promote a more restful and deeper sleep at night.
Navigating the world of physical activity after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia can be overwhelming. The key to physical activity while avoiding injury lies in the warm-up. Warming up minimizes the risk of injury. Warm muscles are less likely to become injured than cold, tight muscles.
The warm-up routine for some one who suffers from Fibromyalgia is quite different than the routine of say, an athlete. The physical activity of a patient who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia should focus on preventing injury, calming and therapeutic movements, as well as staying in tune with the body and listening for the warnings that your body has reached its comfortable limits.
Understanding your diagnoses and adapting a new lifestyle is not easy. Use this guide to help you navigate through physical fitness with Fibromyalgia.
