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Conditions > Fibromyalgia > Fibromyalgia Treatment > Exercise and Education Improve Fibromyalgia
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Exercise and Education Improve Fibromyalgia

Walking, strength training and stretching may help fibromyalgia symptoms in women.

An exercise program that incorporates walking, strength training and stretching may improve daily function and alleviate symptoms in women with fibromyalgia, according to a new study supported by the Arthritis Foundation. These benefits appear to be enhanced when exercise is combined with education about managing the condition.

Researchers from Harvard’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital randomly placed 207 women taking medication for fibromyalgia to four treatment groups for 16 weeks:  51 performed aerobic and flexibility exercises only; 51 added in strength training; 50 received a self-help course on managing fibromyalgia; and 55 participated in all the exercises and the education course. The exercise groups met twice weekly, gradually increasing the length and intensity of their workouts, with instructions to perform a third day of exercise on their own.

At six-month follow-up, the researchers found, women who participated in all forms of exercise improved their physical function, an effect that was larger in the combined education and exercise group. “Social function, mental health, fatigue, depression and self-efficacy also improved,” the authors write in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

”Our findings suggest the need for inclusion of appropriate exercise and patient education in the treatment of individuals with fibromyalgia.”

gail
16 Jan 2012, 20:19
hi prosper

i had the same problem, read the book '' what your docter may not tell you about fibromyalgia'' by Raul st.amand m.d. now l am 90% better
Erin
21 Dec 2011, 11:43
So true! When I get to the gym even once a week helps me to feel better mentally & physically too!
Prosper
21 Sep 2011, 10:26
I have recently (last week) haaD to give up the thing I love doing best in all the world. I had to close my small theatre company due to the pain and exhaustion of both fribo and OA. It's been gettin worse and nothing helps the pain or the tiredness. I was an avid exerciser and used a WII and walked our dog. But it's been 20 days since I have been able to do more than get off the couch to get a meal or two. I hate this, but soon I am going to make peace with it and learn how to handle this. I tend to be someone who sees the glass half full, but lately, that's hard to see.
Sylvia
17 Mar 2011, 17:06
Hi,

Just briefly read some of the text here and I thought I'd just say to stay encouraged! I have dealt with this for years along with other spinal degenerative problems and pain is no fun, I agree. I've noticed that the doctors/insurance/etc. is all about putting you through a maze of sorts and quickly categorizes you as 'depressed'. As I told one doctor, who wouldn't get depressed with chronic pain day after day, after week and month after year. I've recently (in last year)surrendered it all to God. Man cannot help but my creator can do all. I cannot let this steal the rest of my life. I'm 55, have 2 grown daughters and 5 grandchildren and I intend to enjoy my life regardless. There are times its quite unbearable and NO ONE understands or tries to. For you all here, I do understand. God Bless You All.
Heather
17 Dec 2010, 19:42
It took over 3 years before I finally found a doctor that took me seriously. Most of the doctors I saw told me that I was tired and in pain because I was overweight. Even after I managed to lose 53lbs I felt worse not better. I work full time and have to take call. Everyone at work thinks that I am faking this. As if anyone would want to feel like this. I wish I was healthy. Its so hard to ask for help with daily tasks because I am so used to doing everything for myself. My kids are too young to understand why mom is so tired and in pain all the time. I am a single mother and its hard raising my kids being so tired. I keep hoping the next medicine will be the magic one to make me feel better. I do know that walking and stretching help. The longer I don't move the more I hurt.
amy
18 Aug 2010, 16:15
this is a good way to share with people that have some of the same solutions on how to cope. only if there were some doctors that can understand and have very good bedside manners they would have a lot more respect for them. did anyone notice that most of doctors want to write you off in your medical record an suggest that you are mentally ill. but they should take a different veiw of how the pacient is doing. they just dont care they write us off!dna
Susan
11 Jun 2010, 11:55
I'm with Stevie. I have to work full time to support myself, but luckily don't have to take care of anyone but me! There are days, though, when I sit at my desk and actually fall asleep sitting up! Luckily my boss isn't in the area often so I don't have to worry about getting caught. At night I just collapse on the couch and watch tv and I live for the weekends when I can sleep late.

I have an exercise bike in the corner of my living room but it's been gathering dust for years. I moved the treadmill out into the garage. The best I can do is walking my dog on occasion. Luckily she gets exercise chasing squirrels at my mother's house every day.
Stevie
11 Jun 2010, 08:42
I was diagnosed around 1991 or '92 and have taken many medications. I deal with pain every day but it's more annoying than debilitating most of the time. My hands hurt more lately though. The one thing I've never been able to conquer is the fatigue. I still work full time but I'm already tired when I get up in the morning and exhausted when I get home. I periodically go through stretches of walking at lunchtime but have to fight to keep my head off the desk in the afternoon. What I really want to do is go face down on the couch when I get home at night. I'm really tired of being tired!
Sherry
11 Feb 2010, 12:48
Whoa, I used the wrong word, I meant "weather". Sorry
Sherry
11 Feb 2010, 12:46
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after joint replacement on my right wrist. Unfortunately, I get too sick from all the regular medications offered for this disease. I now use a TENS Unit, hot and cold packs, paraffin wax dip, meditation, prayer, and swim therapy classes. I did have physical therapy, but the dr. thought swim therapy might help even more. My pain is mostly in my arms, wrists, elbows and muscle spasms. Am just now starting to get burning in my feet and legs, but minimal. I do what I can. Luckily my husband is helpful in the household department, but not always understanding. We take walks together when the whether is decent, and I also go walking with friends. I currently am not working because of this condition. Who wants to listen to someone complain about every little ache and pain, so I try to keep my comments to myself. It's good to know that there are others who are experiencing my issues. I have my good days and my bad days. Thanks for listening and being there for me. I just do what I can and hope for the best. No one else in my family had or has this condition.
kelly miller
26 May 2009, 21:47
in some cases the more you move.. the more you hurt It turns to the chronic myofacial stuff and the joint disfunction without the proper education and treatment It is hard to find good support After more than 5 years and loosing everything I have, I feel the system is failing me
Really, I'm ok with the illness It's not going to whoop me Never stop trying never stop learning and never stop moving

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