With Fibromyalgia, No Pain Is the Gain

Doctors aren’t sure what causes fibromyalgia. They do know that about 90% of people diagnosed are women. If you’re one of them, here’s some good news. Research shows that exercise can reduce flare-ups. Staying active also may improve your ability to perform daily activities. Experts offer these tips:

• The best exercise choices are low-impact aerobic activities. These include walking, biking, and swimming.
• If you haven’t exercised for a while, start with just one or two workouts a week and build up to three or four. Short sessions of 10 to 30 minutes are best.
• Talk with your doctor before adding any resistance training or stretching to your routine. Anything that can strain your muscles may cause a flare-up.

Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol. 17, No. 1