Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It is often accompanied by sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood changes, which can significantly impact daily life.

Exercise Physiology can help by:

• Reducing pain: Gentle, consistent exercise helps reduce muscle tightness and stiffness.
• Improving sleep: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration.
• Building strength and endurance: A tailored strengthening program builds endurance in key muscles, especially those that support posture, balancing strength across muscle groups the body reducing overall pain.
• Managing fatigue: Structured exercise improves energy levels and combats the debilitating fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.
• Psychological health: Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, helping to alleviate depression and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain.

Research has shown that regular exercise can reduce fibromyalgia pain^1,2 and improve overall physical function,¹  quality of life,^1,2 reduce fatigue³, mood², physical capacity² and sleep quality³.

1. Sosa-Reina, M.D., Nunez-Nagy, S., Gallego-Izquierdo, T., Pecos-Martín, D., Monserrat, J. and Álvarez-Mon, M., 2017. Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. BioMed research international, 2017(1), p.2356346.
2. Häuser, W., Klose, P., Langhorst, J., Moradi, B., Steinbach, M., Schiltenwolf, M. and Busch, A., 2010. Efficacy of different types of aerobic exercise in fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Arthritis research & therapy, 12, pp.1-14.
3. Estévez-López, F., Maestre-Cascales, C., Russell, D., Alvarez-Gallardo, I.C., Rodriguez-Ayllon, M., Hughes, C.M., Davison, G.W., Sanudo, B. and McVeigh, J.G., 2021. Effectiveness of exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 102(4), pp.752-761.

How can we help?

Your rehabilitation journey begins with a detailed assessment of your condition by our Accredited Exercise Physiologists who specialise in this area. The assessment will include an analysis of your strength, balance, flexibility, mobility, core stability and cardiovascular fitness. From here you will be guided through you individualised rehabilitation program which will improve your quality of life and activities of daily living.