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.
In the summer I went in the ocean almost every day and I felt great. The ocean became too cold and aches, pain, and grouchy /stressed mood came back. But, I didn't know if the summer effect was because of the ocean water, the increased number of hours of sunlight or something else. Now, I started going into a well heated pool every day after work and my aches are gone, not permanently, but if I go in every day, I do really well.
I am very comfortable and relaxed in water, so I relax/exercise. I tread water, moving my legs and arms continuously, but utterly relaxed. I also walk some in the shallow end, and do a few gentle slow laps. So, my muscles are active, but relaxed. I spent an hour yesterday.
. Why this feels so good? Maybe getting the muscles to relax, but at the same time move so that they don't stiffen, and the increased circulation from moving might wash away toxins (if there is such a thing).
I don't have a bathtub, but if I did, I would fill it enough where my torso would float and see if that helps, maybe before or after some gentle yoga stretches.
Thought I would share. I am always looking for anything that might help. Let me know your experience if you try it.
I am very comfortable and relaxed in water, so I relax/exercise. I tread water, moving my legs and arms continuously, but utterly relaxed. I also walk some in the shallow end, and do a few gentle slow laps. So, my muscles are active, but relaxed. I spent an hour yesterday.
. Why this feels so good? Maybe getting the muscles to relax, but at the same time move so that they don't stiffen, and the increased circulation from moving might wash away toxins (if there is such a thing).
I don't have a bathtub, but if I did, I would fill it enough where my torso would float and see if that helps, maybe before or after some gentle yoga stretches.
Thought I would share. I am always looking for anything that might help. Let me know your experience if you try it.
Here is great website on the benefits of aqua therapy.
http://www.aqua4balance.com/Health-Conditions/fibromyalgia-study-research/effects-of-aquatic-therapy-on-global-fibromyalgia-symptomatology-study.html#.UqOv6xG9KSM
I am blessed to live in a state (MN) that has a program called CDCS (Consumer Directed Community Services) which covers this, along with massage 1X/week. YES, we do have bitter cold weather here now....which makes me hurt more, and the wonderful social services, Chronic Pain Support group I'm in 2X week for 3 hrs. each day and all of the above help keep me from drowning! Glad to be here, today, now! Thank You, All!
Im in Chicago and it was snowing today. We still got in the water. Yasss!
Betteroffnow, I thought I had heard of everything. Saw some pictures of Watsu and I have no doubt that it would help. Maybe there is a local practitioner. Will search. Thanks for bringing it up.
Water therapy is the only time I do not hurt. My husband and I took a vacation this year to Hot Springs AR to check out the therapy they had there. People swear by the natural hot springs water. People line up at watering stations to fill every type of container you can imagine to take home to use.
They have awesome massage therapists there. Any way we wanted to see if it would be beneficial to me. Oh yes I would move down there if I could.
When we came home we new that the hot water therapy would help me so we debated on whirlpool tub or hot tub. Whirlpool tub would mean tearing up the bathroom, hot tub easy to set if you have a place for it. We went with hot tub so the entire family could us it. The Y pool was just to cold I would get cramps in my legs.
It's snowing and icy with the temp 18 degrees, we have an enclosure around the tub, one of those you could buy at Lowes, great in the tub but a mad dash to the house after. LOL
I know long and wordy post. Hope it helps. Tonsie
I would install a hot tub in a flash, but I live in a condo.