Why do I continue to believe in the benefits of exercise for those living with fibromyalgia and related conditions? Because of the increase of healthy neurochemicals and blood flow, the resulting increased self-confidence, and reduction in pain levels. We know through experience and through various studies that exercise is not only an essential remedy but also much different than many activities of daily living that can be difficult or even detrimental to the fibro body.…
Did you know that fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome requires an additional and separate protocol for exercise? If you have both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, then you may need to learn how to balance exercise and rest in a more specific way in order to avoid exacerbating pain levels, fatigue and increase of all symptoms. The important point here is to create balance. People with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Enchephalomyelitis) can have a…
Joint health concerns are not uncommon for those with fibromyalgia and many have joint involvement of some kind. More people with fibro are exhibiting joint or bone density issues and a tendency towards any of the various forms of arthritis. Effectively treating joint issues requires addressing all areas, including diet, movement, lifestyle, and better sleep strategies. Joint involvement or joint disease can vary in degree depending on history, ongoing deficiency and active TRP’s (trigger points)…
Why is maintaining strength within our fibromyalgia exercise routine so important when living with fibro and its related conditions? When muscle is lost, many areas of the body can be affected, including balance, posture and agility. This can lead to de-conditioning, falls and injury. We cannot afford that. Strength and agility are even more essential as we grow older.By starting slow, and being consistent, we are giving our bodies the extra insurance needed to avoid injury.…
We know that safe and effective fibromyalgia exercise is an essential component when designing a wellness plan for fibromyalgia and its related conditions. There are general recommendations and guidelines set forth by one of my certifying bodies, ACE (American Council on Exercise) These are detailed in the Fitness Planner article here on the site, but with fibromyalgia and its primary co-conditions, I have to get a little more specific. What about some of the more specific…
I have found that the best fibromyalgia stretching exercises are more like range of motion exercises with LIGHT stretching included. This is because the fibro body is more sensitive to ‘conventional’ stretching. When people with fibro or osteo issues stretch too far, especially without proper conditioning, this can lead to Post Exercise Malaise, or worse, injury. See, this is because the fibro body has a tendency to store pain and past traumas inside the muscles, tendons, joints, etc. Yoga or other types…
Where do we start to create an individual fibromyalgia exercise program? Although there are many commonalities in the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, everyone’s fibro body IS different when it comes to fitness level, activity preference and past history. Yes, our past history is a good place to start. If you were previously a runner before your fibro intensified, and you enjoy running, it could possibly become part of your program again. This is what many of us…
Have you heard of d-ribose? This simple, five-sided sugar is being embraced by bodybuilders as well as some people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Research has shown that it can improve cardiac functioning, especially for people with heart failure, arrhythmia, angina, and some other heart problems.The question is whether it’s really effective enough for you to include in your supplement plan. Working as practitioner and colon therapist for many years, I am not…
I know guaifenesin for fibromyalgia is a controversial subject among fibro people. And, don’t misunderstand, I’m not taking a stand on this protocol per say because of our other protocols that have been effective for creating a better quality of life. However, there are thousands who claim to have benefitted from guaifenesin for fibromyalgia. If we know it is helping fibro people, then like anything else, it is worth taking note of and what we…
Have you taken magnesium for your fibromyalgia? And if so, have you experimented with various forms to best suit your individual needs? There are some specific symptoms within fibromyalgia that can benefit greatly from the right form of magnesium. If you have not experimented with all the various forms of magnesium, you could potentially be missing out on the form that is most effective for your fibro body…you may not have mitigated some of your…