Fibromyalgia can be very debilitating..how would you train a client with FM?
Hi Chris,
I love your challenging questions. So here I go:
I found that FM can be very different things for different people. In fact, at the Personal Trainer Institute, Cassidy Phillips mentioned that he has been diagnosed with FM, but his approach to training himself would not jibe with those people who I know with the disease.
When I train a person with FM – after having done an assessment – I usually start with rather easy exercises and a lot of stretching. I found that many people with FM have lost the trust into their bodies, tend to be rather de-conditioned and are often very scared of exercises for fear of pain. As I am a MELT instructor, I find this method absolutely wonderful for FM as it encourages self-assessment and re-assessments after some movement of self-selected intensity. Thus, I observed that a gentle approach on all levels is a must. Which exercises to select almost becomes secondary and should be informed by the results of the assessment.
I generally follow ACSM guidelines.
People with fibromyalgia have decrease muscle strength, lower cardiorespiratory and V02 is lower.
My objectives when designing an exercise program for someone with fibromyalgia are:
1. Increase cardiorespiratory capacity.
2. Increase functional strength and capacity
3. Increase overall flexibility
4. Improve joint stability
It is important that fitness professional be aware of their client’s pain threshold and to always train them at a low intensity. Research shows that higher intensity workouts increase DOMS.
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!!!!!!!!!!
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
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