People with fibromyalgia profit greatly from Pilates training. Discover the advantages of this practice and a few recommendations.
Pilates is an activity that advantages fibromyalgia patients. In particular, his practice strengthens muscles and increases flexibility, which is a complement to physiotherapeutic and rehabilitation treatments. Learn about all the advantages of Pilates for fibromyalgia patients here.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that’s accompanied by physical limitations, pain and other symptoms. As a result, many individuals avoid physical activity. However, this type of exercise seems to be an excellent option. Let’s see what its benefits are.
Fibromyalgia and exercise
fibromyalgia is a fancy disease, the characteristic symptom of which is pain. This is normally accompanied by sleep disturbances and general fatigue that doesn’t correspond to the efforts made in the course of the day. As a result, this disease often results in a sedentary lifestyle.
The consequence of that is that the patients’ respiratory efficiency is below average. They even have more problems with mood swings. Therefore, idleness shouldn’t be advisable in any respect in such cases.
It shouldn’t be easy in any respect to encourage a one that may be very drained and in pain to exercise. However, physical activity is an element that has a really positive effect on their condition. Pilates training is a really suitable option in such cases.
Recommended exercises
In general, it is suggested that an individual with fibromyalgia exercise repeatedly. However, there are people who bring more advantages for various reasons. The most advisable are the next:
- Pilates training. It must be done thrice every week. It reduces pain and improves functionality.
- Nordic walking. It involves walking outdoors with poles much like those used for skiing. Increases functional capability.
- Walking. Test conducted in 2017 showed that walking improves the condition of individuals with fibromyalgia.
- Swimming. This is taken into account as effective as walking.
- Exercise Bike. Improves the inflammatory response of patients with fibromyalgia.
- Yoga and Tai Chi. It reduces the physical and mental symptoms of the disease.
- biodance. It helps reduce pain.
Benefits of pilates for fibromyalgia
At the highest of the list of advisable exercises is Pilates training for individuals with fibromyalgia, together with yoga and tai chi. Data available indicate that it has significant advantages that increase when combined with certain aerobic exercise.
Experts indicate that Pilates training improves circulation throughout the body. In addition, it reduces pain attributable to incorrect body posture, and thus can reduce the pain attributable to this disease.
This sort of exercise strengthens the muscles, which helps prevent back pain and reduces the danger of fractures. Similarly, its regular practice has a positive effect on the body’s ability to soak up nutrients comparable to calcium.
Generally, such training improves the condition of individuals affected by fibromyalgia.
Some interesting facts
Pilates training is a very talked-about sort of exercise because it is vitally easy to include into any physical activity routine. This modality it helps you get to know your personal body higher, and thus, have more control over itthus promoting well-being.
Research conducted in Brazil, in 2016, proved the advantages of pilates in patients with fibromyalgia. It helped them sleep higher, reduce pain and improve their functional capability.
It is significant to design a customized routine that’s each fun and enjoyable for the patient. Excessive training, each by way of time and intensity, could make symptoms worse. So it is best to debate this together with your doctor for guidance.
In general, it’s best to design a routine in accordance with individual characteristics. It might be adjusted over time, depending on the needs of the person. If this causes discomfort or resistance in the meanwhile, try lighter exercises, but don’t give them up.
Final Recommendations
While Pilates training – and exercise typically – is very advisable for individuals with fibromyalgia, there are also conditions that require extra care. Especially, if an individual also suffers from osteoarthritis, it’s advisable to hunt the recommendation of a health care provider on this practice.
The same applies to individuals who have conditions comparable to trochanteric bursitis, muscle contractures or knee injuries. In all these cases, it is feasible to perform such a exercise, nevertheless it must be done with more caution. The doctor provides you with the essential instructions.
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All cited sources have been thoroughly checked by our team to make sure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this text has been deemed reliable and of educational or scientific accuracy.
- Peñacoba, C., Pastor, M. Á., López-Roig, S., Velasco, L., and Lledo, A. (2017). Walking beliefs in women with fibromyalgia: clinical profile and impact on walking behavior. Clinical Nursing Research, 26(5), 632-650.
- Altan L, Korkmaz N, Bingol U, Gunay B. Impact of pilates training on individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Rehabilitation Arch Phys Med. Dec 2009;90(12):1983-8. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.06.021. PMID: 19969158.
- Çağlayan BÇ, Keskin A, Gür Kabul E, Başakcı Çalık B, Baş Aslan U, Karasu U. Effects of clinical Pilates exercise in individuals with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Rheumatol. 2021 Jul;8(3):150-155. doi: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.20037. PMID: 33372888.
- Dias de Aguiar, S., Paixão Carvalho, J., Andrade Teles, D. and Pôrto, E. F. (2016). Benefício do Método Pilates em mulheres com fibromyalgia. ConScientiae Saude, 15(3).
- Casals, C., Sanchez, M.V. and Sanchez, J.C. (2011). Prescription de actividad fisica en patients con fibromyalgia. SEMERGEN-Medicine de Familia, 37(7), 360-366.
