Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Muscles & Bones
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Exercise

calebsmom22
calebsmom22
So, the last time we saw the rheumatologist (about 3 weeks ago), I asked him if there were factors as to which kids grew out of fibro and which didn't. He said the ones who keep active are the ones who outgrow it. He said an HOUR a day. This just seems so much to me. And Caleb isn't thrilled with it either. We've worked up to 20 minutes on the treadmill and will keep going, but I was just curious what your workout routines are? And has it helped?

Thanks,
Ty
LeoX3
LeoX3
There is yoga for kids, and yoga was what I started with for exercise with FM, and from there returned to hand weights (light weights, many reps), long walks, etc. and about 45 minutes a day. And it doesn't have to be the usual "grueling gym" kind of stuff. Bounc-and-Play works out my one niece something fierce---climbing up all those slides and tunnels---so it can be *fun* too. OR swimming, which is great b/c it's non weight bearing, warm watter feels good, and is great exercise anyway. (I don't swim, but hubby does.)

Don't forget, playnig catch is exercise. "Army crawling" (or alligator crawling) is exercise. Jumping jacks, situps, pushup, etc., are all exercise. None of it has to be hard-core. The point is to do it, go gentle to start, and work up gently.... and split it up. I know some days, I do five minutes here, ten there, etc., and get my half-hour in---eventually!

Good luck, to you and Caleb!
Emily710
Emily710
I swear by aquatherapy and swimming as the person feels better from the aquatherapy. I would enroll him in a swimming class after a good conversation with the coach. He should start with half laps and a couple of minutes rest here and there, and slowly increase.
I started walking with water up to my waist/chest in the beginning of the summer. By fall I started swimming just a little and walking/treading. I am now swimming at a fairly good pace... 25 to 30 laps of a 25 yard pool. Not quite an Olympian, but for ME, wow, quite the accomplishment. Just easy does it with the increases.
Cocoa1
Cocoa1
Hi Caleb'sMom. It's important to start very slowly with exercise, because fibromyalgia sufferers muscles do not recover like regular people. Movement is very important for us because it helps to keep the blood flowing to our muscles and increases endorphins.

He should start very slowly and then gradually increase his work out time over a period of weeks. I started out by walking for a minute in a heated pool. I gradually increased my time over a period of months until I could walk for 15 minutes. I then continued to slowly increase my time over a year and a half until I could jog for 30-40 minutes straight. I have found aqua therapy to be very helpful with pain management.

You could also try tai chi, chi-gong, yoga etc. I just got a new book from amazon called "Yoga for fibromyalgia". Today will be my first night using it.

Continue to slowly increase his time until he is up to an hour. Don't increase it too fast, or it will only set him back.

Caleb is blessed to have you as a Mommy. You are committed to helping him manage this condition and are putting the necessary tools in place to help him. Best Wishes!