Lifestyle Changes to Manage Fibromyalgia
En Español (Spanish Version)The following lifestyle changes may help you manage fibromyalgia.
Exercise is perhaps the most effective way to improve fibromyalgia symptoms. Benefits include:
- Prevention of muscle atrophy
- Reduction in muscle stiffness
- Reduction of pain and fatigue
- Improved sense of well-being
- Increased flexibility and lengthening of muscles
Your exercise program should begin with mild activity and gradually increase over time. Try to incorporate different types of exercise, like:
- Aerobic activity
- Strength training
- Flexibility exercises
Exercising in a heated pool may offer benefits. In one small study, researchers found that people with fibromyalgia who participated in aquatic training in warm water (strength, aerobic, and relaxation exercises) reported an improvement in symptoms.
Some people with fibromyalgia have found that certain techniques that help you relax and reduce stress may be helpful in managing chronic pain. Examples of successful techniques include:
Fibromyalgia Network website. Available at:
http://www.fmnetnews.com/
.
Neurology Channel website. Available at:
http://neurologychannel.com/
.
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: Munguía-Izquierdo D, Legaz-Arrese A. Assessment of the effects of aquatic therapy on global symptomatology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch
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4/22/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/
: Sañudo B, Galiano D, Carrasco L, Blagojevic M, de Hoyo M, Saxton J.
Aerobic exercise versus combined exercise therapy in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil.
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Last Reviewed September 2012