Pilates is an activity that brings advantages to fibromyalgia patients. Specifically, its practice strengthens muscles and increases flexibility, which complements physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments. Discover all the advantages of Pilates for fibromyalgia patients here.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that’s accompanied by physical limitations, pain and other symptoms. Consequently, many individuals avoid physical activity. Nonetheless, this kind of exercise seems to be a superb option. Let’s see its advantages.
Fibromyalgia and physical exertion
Fibromyalgia is a posh disease, whose characteristic symptom is pain. This is often accompanied by sleep disturbances and general fatigue, which doesn’t correspond to efforts made throughout the day. Consequently, this disease often results in a sedentary lifestyle.
The consequence of that is that patients reduce their respiratory capability to below-average levels. Additionally they are likely to have more problems with mood swings. Subsequently, inactivity isn’t in any respect advisable in these cases.
It isn’t in any respect easy to encourage a one that may be very fatigued and in pain to exercise. Nonetheless, physical activity is an element that has a really positive impact on their condition. Pilates training is a really suitable option in these cases.
Advisable exercises
Typically, it’s advisable that an individual with fibromyalgia should perform physical exertion frequently. Nonetheless, there are some that are likely to bring more advantages, for various reasons. Probably the most advisable are the next:
- Pilates training. It needs to be performed 3 times every week. It reduces pain and improves functionality.
- Nordic walking. It consists of walking outdoors with the assistance of sticks much like those utilized in skiing. It increases functional capability.
- Walking. A study conducted in 2017 determined that walking improves the condition of individuals with fibromyalgia.
- Swimming. This is taken into account as effective as walking.
- Exercise biking. Improves the inflammatory response of fibromyalgia patients.
- yoga and tai chi. Reduces physical and psychological symptoms of the disease.
- Biodance. Helps reduce pain.
Advantages of Pilates for fibromyalgia
Pilates training tops the list of advisable exercises for individuals with fibromyalgia, together with yoga and tai chi. Available data indicate that it generates significant advantages, that are increased when combined with some aerobic exercise.
Experts indicate that Pilates training improves circulation throughout the body. As well as, it reduces pain brought on by poor body posture and, in turn, can reduce the pain brought on by this disease.
One of these exercise strengthens muscles, which helps to forestall back pain and reduces the chance of fractures. Likewise, its regular practice has a positive impact on the body’s ability to soak up nutrients similar to calcium.
Typically, this sort of training improves the condition of those affected by fibromyalgia.
Some interesting facts
Pilates training is a extremely popular style of exercise, as it is extremely easy to include it into any physical activity routine. This modality helps to know one’s own body higher and, consequently, to have more control over itthus promoting well-being.
Research carried out in Brazilin 2016, evidenced the advantages of Pilates in patients with fibromyalgia. It helped them to sleep higher, reduced pain, and improved their functional capability.
It’s necessary to design a customized routine, which is each enjoyable and nice for the patient. Excessive training, either in time or intensity, could cause an exacerbation of symptoms. Subsequently, it’s best to debate this with the physician for guidance.
Generally speaking, it’s best to design a routine in line with individual characteristics. It could actually be adjusted over time, in line with the person’s needs. If at any given moment it causes discomfort or resistance, the proper thing to do is to do lighter exercises, but not to desert it.
Final recommendations
Although Pilates training – and exercise generally – is very advisable for individuals with fibromyalgia, there are also conditions that require special caution. Specifically, if an individual also suffers from osteoarthritis, it’s advisable to hunt medical guidance for this practice.
The identical applies to those that have diseases similar to trochanteric bursitis, muscle contractures, or knee injuries. In all these cases it’s possible to perform the sort of exercise, but it surely needs to be done with greater caution. The doctor will provide the vital instructions.
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All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to make sure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this text was considered reliable and of educational or scientific accuracy.
- Peñacoba, C., Pastor, M. Á., López-Roig, S., Velasco, L., & 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. Effect of pilates training on individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Dec;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 exercises in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. EurJ 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., & Pôrto, EF (2016). Advantage of the Pilates Method in women with fibromyalgia. Conscientiae Saude, 15(3).
- Casals, C., Sánchez, MV, & Sánchez, JC (2011). Prescription of physical activity in patients with fibromyalgia. SEMERGEN-Family Medicine, 37(7), 360-366.
