Fibromyalgia patients can reduce their pain with basic exercises. A new study found that fibromyalgia patients were able to reduce their pain by simply walking. Previous research has shown positive effects on fibromyalgia and pain reduction, and the latest findings further support this notion.
The findings come from the University of Iowa, where researchers focused on female patients with fibromyalgia and the impact of exercise on pain reduction.
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The researchers found that increasing exercise levels was beneficial for reducing pain in the women. Exercise may be difficult in fibromyalgia patients, but the benefits surely outweigh the disadvantages.
Researchers noted that it is difficult for fibromyalgia patients to begin exercising as the initial pain experienced is often a deterrent. However, researchers encourage fibromyalgia patients to continue with exercise and move past the initial pain experienced, which will subside as exercise continues.
Researchers suggest low impact exercises are best for fibromyalgia patients, such as walking or swimming.
The sedentary women in the study were those who walked less than 5,000 steps a day, while moderate exercise women walked between 5,000 and 9,999 steps a day and vigorous exercise consisted of over 10,000 steps a day. The women in the vigorous exercise group experienced the least amount of pain and were able to tolerate higher levels of pain on a daily basis.
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Researchers advise that, in order to stick with an exercise program, you should find an exercise that best suits you. Furthermore, getting a friend to exercise with you or remind you to exercise can be great motivation. Lastly, you may want to use a reward system, so if you exercise you get something in return.
Also read: Fibromyalgia may be confused with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Source:
http://www.emaxhealth.com/12410/fibromyalgia-patients-benefit-surprisingly-simple-exercise
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
