Range of Motion offers Exercise Physiologist designed one-on-one exercise sessions for individuals with this condition. Book a complimentary consultation or contact us to find out more.
The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Based on guidelines provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Condition Overview:
Fibromyalgia is a rheumatological disorder most commonly affecting women between 20 and 55 years of age. The condition is characterised by diffuse chronic pain at tender muscular points. Additional symptoms include:
- Interrupted sleep
- Chronic fatigue
- Morning stiffness
- Paresthesia in the extremities
- Increased perception of physical exertion
- Depression
- Anxiety
These primary symptoms lead to some or all of the following secondary symptoms:
- Reduced functional ability
- Poor physical capacity
- Social isolation
- Low self esteem
- Reduced quality of life
The causes of the condition are numerous and poorly understood. The following etiologies hgave been suggested:
- Muscular abnormalities
- Neuroendocrine and autonomic system disorders
- Genetic predisposition
Short Term Response to Exercise:
The ability to exercise is impaired by an enhanced perception of physical exertion, poor conditioning and pain with movement. Short term effects of exercise, such as muscle soreness and general capacity for recovery, make the selection of intensity an important factor.
Eccentric muscle activation, overhead activity and high impact activities are poorly tolerated.
Long Term Response to Exercise:
Individuals with Fibromyalgia can experience the same general benefits of exercise as a healthy individual. The main benefit however is to improve functional capacity and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Additional benefits include:
- Reduced number of tender points
- Reduced pain at tender points
- Reductions in general pain levels
- Improved sleep
- Reduced fatigue
- Reductions in feelings of helplessness
- Increased social interaction
- Reduced impact of disease on activities of daily living
Condition Management:
As with the causes of the condition, treatment plans are poorly understood. It is believed a multidisciplinary approach is most effective, combining exercise, medication and behavioural therapy.
Meyer, B., Lemley, K., (2003). Fibromyalgia. In: Durstine, J. L., Moore, G. E. (2003), ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd Ed. (pp 192-197) American College of Sports Medicine, Human Kinetics.
