0

Can Pilates and Stretching Really Help Fibromyalgia Pain?

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by pain in the soft tissues and muscles that can be felt below and above the waist. In order to have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a sufferer has to have pain or tenderness in at least 11 of the overall18 trigger points on the body when pressure is applied. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are a variety of methods that can be combined in order to help control it’s devastating symptoms. 

Simple changes in lifestyle have the ability to go a long way when it comes to prevention of any chronic illness. Since fibromyalgia’s main symptoms are pain, certain action is necessary to take in order to help control it from becoming any worse. Pilates and stretching exercises can be performed to help alleviate some of the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Pilates is basically an exercise that was invented to build strength in the core muscles, and to help reduce pain. The movements are small and safe. Anyone can do them, even if they have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia. With fibromyalgia, there needs to be some form of physical activity that can help to strengthen the body.

Unlike heavy weight lifting or aerobic activity, Pilates and stretching will not tire you out. Instead, strength of the spine and core muscles is mastered through small, controlled movements that are done on a comfortable floor mat. There is no pressure whatsoever. The movements are not meant to be uncomfortable in the least bit. They were strictly designed to help the body reduce pain, regain it’s natural spinal alignment, and to build inner strength.

Pilates and stretching exercises can be done as many times per day as you see fit, but two will be enough to see a difference. The workouts are usually no longer than 10 minutes, depending on which one that you would like to perform for the day. There is a lot of stretching and toning involved in the workouts, which makes this an even more beneficial exercise for fibromyalgia sufferers. Be careful not to push yourself too far when performing these movements. If they begin to cause pain, then the best thing to do is stop the exercises, relax, stretch, and then try again without overdoing it. Fortunately, Pilates movements have been designed to be so safe that it is quite difficult to overdo it. There shouldn’t be too much of a concern for injury if everything is done correctly, and slowly. 

It all comes down to living a more healthy lifestyle. Pilates and stretching exercises help to increase pain tolerance because a considerable amount of strength is added to the body. When those inner core muscles become stronger, they become more resistant to stress. Exercising naturally increases the chemicals in the brain associated with pain relief, which in turn increases the benefits of performing a daily Pilates and stretching routine. These exercises also increase mobility in those that have a hard time performing a full range of movement. The benefits are very plentiful, and the pain reduction is real. There are a range of DVD’s on sale at http:// www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist. Please visit my blog at http://stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

0

Pilates Relieves Pain of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with widespread pain and tender points throughout the body, and fatigue in muscles and tendons. Fibromyalgia may be aggravated by weather changes, cold, humidity, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, hormonal fluctuations, sleeplessness, anxiety, stress, depression, or mental or physical fatigue. There is no cure for fibromyalgia but there are variety of treatment options to help control pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Exercise is one of the leading treatments for fibromyalgia. Exercise increase blood flow and feed your muscles by relieving your pain. Exercise works like alternative treatment or medicine to healing your symptoms and controlling your pain. Unfortunately, it really matters what kind of exercise is good for you. Good mach for your situation is definitely Pilates.

Pilates is low-impact and many Pilates movements can be modified just for you and your specific needs. Pilates has both stretching and strengthening aspect of every movement, which makes it even more beneficial exercise form for fibromyalgia sufferers. Pilates improves your joint range of motion, muscle flexibility and strength. Pilates also improves your body awareness and gives you more energy.

It’s important to start Pilates only with a well qualified Pilates instructor. She or he will teach you a proper movement by using specialized Pilates equipment. Pilates equipments (Reformer, Trapeze Table, Wunda-chair, Ladder Barrel) are assisting your movements but also give you more challenge if you need so. Good Pilates instructor can correct your unwanted movement patterns due to pain and concentrate improving your posture. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have postural stresses and poor posture leads more pain, stress and fatigue in your muscles and joints. You don’t want that! You don’t want to increase your pain! So, Pilates is very good way to get help for your posture and muscle imbalances.

Pilates is a body and mind exercise and will help your overall healing process. Pilates is rehabilitative and holistic treatment for many disorders and symptoms including fibromyalgia. It is a good way to start exercising safely, and you are going to see that it doesn’t only stretch and strengthen you, it also improves your whole quality of life.

0

Fibromyalgia and Yoga

Fibromyalgia and Yoga

Find a Yoga Class

It was six years ago that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was working as a designer in one of the largest closet companies in America. My job was extremely stressful, I spent many hours in my car driving from appointment to appointment and my boss was probably not the easiest person in the world to work for. Little did I know this was all leading to a physical breakdown. By the time I wised up and gave my notice to my employer I was in melt down. In the mornings it was all I could do to crawl to the bathroom. My legs hurt so badly at night I could no longer endure the covers over my legs, which resulted in a maximum of four hours of sleep at night. I would sit at night alone in my living room and just cry, the exhaustion was one of the worst symptoms. Simply going to the grocery store was agonizing, I would have to sit and rest half way through my shopping. Embarrassing as it now seems I ask my doctor for a handicap sign for my car, which she refused. I now understand why she refused me, but at the time it just felt like another slap in the face.

I was misdiagnosed several times, told there was nothing wrong with me, diagnosed correctly, but the doctor was so cavalier about the diagnoses I would not listen to a word he said. I did find a doctor that agreed with the doctor whose diagnoses was originally correct, but she was of little help with any constructive program for a healthier and fuller life. She did, however, recommend exercise and that is why she would not give me a handicap sign for my car. The only problem was I knew I could not exercise until my body felt better.

Finally, I took the bull by the horns and started researching on the internet. I found out my disease was not the end of the world, but there were no easy answers. I discovered that there were many researchers that believed some people have candida along with the fibromyalgia. At this point I thought I have nothing to loss, so I went on a very strict diet for candida sufferers. I lost thirty five pounds and began to feel a little better. All the articles I read seemed to agree that some form of exercise was needed and my doctor had thought an excercise program could help. I decided the most appealing exercise to me was yoga, because of the stretching. I had started doing stretches before I got out of bed in the mornings and noticed that they helped my body feel better; I noticed the stiffness was not as severe. I joined a gym, started a yoga class and my life improved in leaps and bounds.

I found a wonderful yoga instructor,This is one of the keys, finding a good instructor; she encouraged me, helped me with my practice and inspired me. Before I new it I was in teachers training. Yoga had become a way of life for me and I knew I would never be without it again. There are days I’m still in pain, have flares, and sometimes my students experience a little fibrofog, but the flares are not often, I stretch through the pain, and I can now laugh when I have a bout of fog,

In know way am I telling you to do exactly what I have done, I am not a doctor. I’m just telling you not to accept your pain, do a little research, and don’t give in. Life may never return to normal, but you can lead a more fulfilled and comfortable life again.

There is an article by Doctor Timothy McCall M.D. He is the doctor who writes articles for Yoga Journal and if you would like to read this wonderful article you can find it at:
www.yogajournal.com/health/1301_1.cfm

To see how you can help your suffering, we offer a variety of classes. Like our restorative classes for people with illnesses like fibromyalgia and injuries.  Yoga Class Schedule