subject: Safe Exercises For Fibromyalgia [print this page] Safe Exercises For Fibromyalgia Safe Exercises For Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a severe muscle disorder that can be caused by overexertion, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies. The disease can be very painful for some patients, and may often leave the patients crippled and in wheelchairs.
But nonetheless, if you are suffering from fibromyalgia you should talk to a trusted medical professional about engaging in physio therapy. Physio therapy is the safest way to help your muscles get their strength and flexibility back, but for some this may not be affordable.
If you cannot afford physio, then you may want to consider engaging in the following exercises. Just make sure that you start off slow in order to help determine your capability and thus prevent further injury. As your muscles get used to the exercising, then you can increase the duration and/or move on to something more challenging.
Breathing
Breathing is one of the safest and most important exercises that you can do if you are suffering from fibromyalgia. Most people do not breathe correctly, and thus before you begin any other type of exercise you should make sure that you are breathing correctly.
The way to determine is to check whether your stomach expands or shrinks when you inhale. When you breathe properly, then your stomach will expand with each breath that you take. This is called breathing with your diaphragm, and it basically means that you are using the full capacity of your lungs.
The benefit of breathing correctly is that your muscles and organs receive more oxygen and thus you will have more energy. It also helps to clear the mind and relaxes the muscles.
To practise this type of breathing, it is best to lie down on your back, and with the hands on your stomach, take a deep breath. It may take some practise until you can expand your stomach the way that it should, but after a while you will get the hang of it.
Stretching
Stretching is another safe exercise, provided that you do not stretch until you feel pain. Your goal is to stretch just enough until you feel the muscles being stretched. This is all that you need to open the muscles so that the blood can flow more easily through them.
If you have stiff muscles and it hurts to stretch even just a little, then you may want to try stretching in a warm bath, as the warm water can help to loosen them.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is also safe, but you need to know your limits, as some of the poses may not be suitable for you. The key is to start off with poses that you are comfortable with and then work your way up to more challenging poses.
Walking
If you are still able to walk, then walking is another safe exercise. It engages roughly around 200 muscles, and increases the blood flow as does any other exercise. Just make sure to start off slow, so that you do not make your situation worse.
Water Exercises
Water Exercises are also safe, but again you will have to know your limits. You may not be able to swim, but you can do light stretches and other movements until you are ready for swimming.
The great thing about water exercises is that the water reduces your body weight, and thereby it makes it easier on your muscles and joints.
It is very important that you listen to your body, and stop exercising when you become tired or feel pain. Never overdo an exercise session, as that may make your situation worse. If you are unsure of a particular exercise, as to whether or not it is right for you, then you should check with a trusted medical professional.
