About 1-2% of the population suffer from this disease, mostly women between 40 and 60 years of age. Fibromyalgia syndrome is therefore one of the most common chronic pain syndromes.
Therapy and exercises
Even though fibromyalgia syndrome cannot be cured so far and the symptoms usually last a lifetime, there are a number of therapy options that lead to pain relief and an improvement in quality of life. Which therapies are indicated in each individual case depends on the individual symptoms. In most cases, multimodal therapy is required, which means that several therapeutic procedures are combined.
In any case, patient training should be carried out at the beginning, where patients receive information about their disease, possible causes, the course of the disease and the therapy. Such information events are offered by physicians or psychologists in private practice, in rehabilitation clinics or self-help associations. The highest commandment with Fibromyalgiesyndrom is that a careful attitude must be avoided.
Otherwise, a vicious circle is triggered: because those affected move less and less outside their relieving posture, mobility decreases and pain increases. On the other hand, regular physical activity promotes blood circulation and prevents wear and tear on joints and muscles. Scientifically proven in its effectiveness is cardiovascular training.
All sports that put an even strain on the muscles and joints are suitable for this, for example Nordic walking, cycling, swimming or walking. The guideline for fibromyalgia syndrome recommends such endurance training 2-3 times a week for about 30 minutes each time. Dry and water gymnastics are equally suitable.
Both forms of therapy combine aerobic training with coordination and strengthening exercises. However, the intensity should only be low to medium. Posture and back exercises help patients to move in a way that is easy on the spine and reduces the incorrect loads that could cause pain.
Under the guidance of a specialized physiotherapist, light weight training can also be done in the case of fibromyalgia syndrome in order to strengthen the endurance, mobility and stability of the musculoskeletal system. In order to reduce muscle pain, light stretching, coordination and strengthening exercises have proven to be effective. Such as the following: 1) Stretching the calf muscles: The patient places himself in a stepping position with the front leg slightly bent at the knee and the back leg stretched.
The tension should be held for about 20 seconds, then change the leg. 2) Muscle pump: The patient sits upright on a stool and puts his feet up to hip width. Now he alternately lifts the tips of his feet and the heels.
At the same time he can move his arms back and forth or clench his hands into fists and open them again. 3) Strengthening the back muscles: The patient lies on a mat in prone position. The toes are set up.
The arms are initially laid down next to the head in a U-position. Now the patient lifts his arms off the floor, his gaze is directed to the floor. Keeping course In these articles you will find further helpful exercises:
- Osteopathy for osteoarthritis
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
- Vibration training
- Muscular imbalances
