Hello, Class!  Today's "lecture" in PT101 will focus on fibromyalgia and the effect exercise plays on symptoms.  Fibromyalgia (FM) is defined as a "chronic, generalized, musculoskeletal pain disorder with the presence of at least 11 out of 18 tender-point sites on physical exam" (American College of Rheumatology, 1990).  FM affects 2% to 4% of the American population, though it is thought to be an often over diagnosed condition.  Most at risk are people aged 35-50 years, and women are 2 to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed.

A recently published study by a scientific group from Ottawa, Canada was designed to look at all the past research on the effects of exercise on FM.  The comparisons of multiple studies was limited by some lack of information about specific exercise regimens, and so the Ottawa group recommends a collaboration of researchers to better determine outcomes of exercise on FM.  However, the Ottawa group did have some statistical evidence to conclude that strengthening exercises are beneficial in improving muscle strength, pain relief, physical disability, depression and quality of life at the end of 12 weeks of exercise.   Most of the studies Ottawa reviewed showed that individuals with FM can successfully engage in intensive, progressive strengthening programs without experiencing an increase in symptoms, especially if combined with medications to improve sleep/mood and if directed by professionals trained to individualize the exercise programs.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, ask your physician for a referral to Alliance Physical Therapy, where our highly skilled and experienced therapists can evaluate your individual status, design an exercise program based on that exam and then direct you along the course of implementing it.

Yours in health,

Karen