Fibromyalgia can be very debilitating..how would you train a client with FM?
I have had fibro for a year and been a PT for 15. I have lost lumbar lordosis slightly and have both hips internally rotated. It doesn’t matter how much I train to correct that with strength and flexibility work, the body always returns to being tight. That is frustrating as I used to be hypermobile. I also find that even after doing squats with heavier weights than normal I am not sore the next day like I used to be and I don’t understand why.
My clients respect me more now that I have a chronic condition as they know I move every day no matter how sore I am. I push forward the message that moving is the best thing to do.
Hi Lisa. I have had Fybro for 5 years and have been a Personal Trainer for 3 years. I really struggle with my own training sometimes, especially progressing past a certain point, as my body just seems to give out. It like I get so far, start getting stronger, start putting on muscle, and then I have to back right off because my body gives out. I hate not being able to progress myself. I’d love to touch base with you and chat about how you’ve managed it. You seem to have made amazing progress. Ben
I am have fibro and I am studying to be a personal trainer. What I did when I started back at the gym after fibro was taking over my body was light work outs 5-6 days a week. I had to start with the lightest weights my gym had to offer. Over 6 months after gradually increasing my weights I have not only got on top of my fibro symptoms but I am now starting body sculpting. I find the trick is to not go longer than 2 days without working out or I will flare up (still not as bad as before I started working out).
The gym has become my life as the hard work I put in when I am there has given me my life back
Karin
Thank you! It is a two-way street. Patients with FM require first patient education about what FM is.
First and foremost. Second, soft tissue work particuarly on the upper traps and on their 11 of 18 points that are clinically involved. Aerobic activity is helpful however, heat is very relaxing accompanied by the pool to relax the muscle.
The patient/client needs to also learn other relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation to calm down the nervous system which will decrease the sensory input into the muscle
Then flexibility or stretching can be commenced. Next stability or strengthening is ideal targeting the weaker phasic muscles such as the rhomboids, low traps
Finally an individualized program that is not only holisitic but personalized!!!!!!!!!!