Pilates and Fibromyalgia (FMS)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes intense pain in the body including but not limited to, muscles, connective tissue and joints. It affects more than 6 million people in the US. The symptoms can vary widely from person to person and range from mildly annoying to highly debilitating. On top of all this, it is very difficult to diagnose because the primary symptoms of pain and exhaustion are so general. Other symptoms include:
Morning stiffness, sleep disorders, anxiety, cognitive or memory impairment, depression and digestive problems. It’s clear why FMS is so hard to diagnose as those symptoms could be many other things as well. It used to be thought that FMS was an autoimmune disease, but the medical community now believes that a malfunction of the central nervous system is the cause and new research in this direction has been launched with great hope. Many treatments for FMS include a multidisciplinary approach such as medication, massage, diet and acupuncture. Another important treatment is moderate, non-impact exercise. Enter: Pilates. Pilates is one of the best forms of exercise for fibromyalgia because of the strengthening with resistance and the gentle range of motion for the joints. This addresses the muscle, connective tissue and joint pain as well as the low energy which helps decrease fatigue symptoms. The emphasis on control and precision of movement with ease, the focus on the breath, as well as posture awareness, allows the FMS sufferer to focus on their body in a pleasant way and empowers them to feel more control. This mental and emotional component can reduce stress and muscle tension which can further lower the pain symptoms. If you know someone who suffers from Fibromyalgia, let them know that pilates is a good form of exercise to help them manage their symptoms. And they’ll get in shape!

Melissa Noble
from Bloomington, IN