Treating Fibromyalgia Pain With Water Exercise

Sedentary and stressful lifestyle triggers fibromyalgia pain. Blood circulation is reduced as muscles become tensed. Fibromyalgia sufferers clench in response to muscle stress, which increases sensitivity to pain. This explains why fibromyalgia pain is worst among those who are both physically inactive and stressed.

Having an active and healthy lifestyle will definitely ease physical discomforts caused by fibromyalgia. Walking, running, and even sex speed up pulse rate, thereby increasing blood flow to muscles. As blood circulation improves, deep muscle pain is reduced. With regards to muscle pain, it is important to note that exercising is not only therapeutic but preventive as well. Physical inactivity will worsen fibromyalgia pain, so patients must integrate exercise with their fibromyalgia treatment program.

In addition to pain relief, other health benefits of exercise include better sleep and improved mood.

But how can pain-inflicted people exercise? Try stretching or flexibility exercise first to expand your range of motion. You can also jump-start your exercise routine by playing golf, walking a short distance, or doing yoga.

Water Exercise for Pain Treatment

People suffering from fibromyalgia will find water exercise, otherwise known as water aerobics, relieving and convenient. Water aerobics does not stress joints, and you will find warm water very comforting. With water exercise, more blood will flow into muscles and tendons. In addition, muscles will get stronger as you float against the water.

Doing exercise afloat is less painful because the natural buoyancy of water reduces the force needed to move body parts. Water exercises can be done in a backyard pool or heated facility under the supervision of an instructor or physical therapist.

Swimming is not a prerequisite for a water exercise class. There are water exercise programs that work in shallow water. In these classes, you exercise with your head above water. In deep-water aerobic classes, participants are sometimes provided with foam belt or life jacket.

According to scientific studies conducted in Spain, water aerobics is associated with improved quality of life among female fibromyalgia patients. One of these studies investigated the health benefits of doing water exercise for 60 minutes a day, 3 times a week. Data from twelve weeks of water exercise among female subjects showed correlation between exercise and improved physical and mental well-being, more vitality, and less pain. Subjects experienced less depression and became more sociable.

Those seeking pain relief cannot afford to ignore exercise therapy. Walking, swimming, or doing anything that increases pulse rate will significantly help reduce muscle pain. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day, 4 times a week and you will notice significant improvement of pain.

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