FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia

Jonathan Cooke 0311284Jonathan Cooke 0311284

Kevin Repay 0275542Kevin Repay 0275542

Tara Ruberto 0306015Tara Ruberto 0306015

What is Fibromyalgia?What is Fibromyalgia?

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain illness characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain, and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances. - (National Fibromyalgia Association, 2006)

Common Sites of PainCommon Sites of Pain

• The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands, but any body part can be affected.

Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

• Pain

• Fatigue

• Sleep disorder

• Chronic headaches

• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Contraindicators for Physical Contraindicators for Physical ActivityActivity

• Cold/humid weather• Insufficient sleep• Fatigue• Excessive vigorous physical activity or

inactivity • Anxiety• Stress• Strenuous strength training exercises

Treatment/Suggestions Treatment/Suggestions

• Moderate intensity aerobic exercise– Swimming or walking

• Lifestyle adaptations– Nutritional changes– Improves sleep regimen

• Medications– NSAIDS (Ibuprofen)– Acetaminophen

• Therapies– Therapeutic massage, application of heat or cold,

acupuncture

Tips for Exercise Tips for Exercise

• Moderate intensity aerobic exercise• Perform functional strength training exercises

using light weights• Focus on flexibility however, avoid

overstretching • Include pauses between exercise repetitions• Segment strength training – Perform

exercises for upper extremity and lower extremity muscles groups on separate occasions

Tips for Exercise Cont…Tips for Exercise Cont…

• Limit strenuous strength training activities

• Limit vigorous physical activity

• Avoid eccentric muscle contraction

• Incorporate at least 1 say rest between sessions– Essential to find a midpoint between too much

and too little activity

Recommendations for Exercise Recommendations for Exercise Programming Programming

• The goal of exercise programming should be first and foremost to prevent further de-conditioning that could compound the disability.

• Clients should be warned that they may feel increased fatigue in the first few weeks of an exercise program

• Exercise should be initiated at very low levels based on clients current activity tolerance

• Aerobic exercise should use familiar activities at low levels of intensity

• The focus should be to get client physically functional ie. push, pull, walking up stairs

• Flexibility exercise may be prescribed to preserve normal range of motion

Recommendations for Exercise Recommendations for Exercise Programming Con’tProgramming Con’t

• Strength training exercises should be based on preservation of levels of strength

• Progression of exercise activity should focus primarily on increasing the duration of moderate intensity activities instead of increasing exercise intensity

• Emphasize use of motivational cues – social and extrinsic

• Avoid eccentric or upper extremity overhead loading• Supervise and control with follow up support• Avoid early morning exercise• Ensure adequate time and attention for client

Special ConsiderationsSpecial Considerations

• Depression may accompany condition as lifestyle changes occur due to persistent symptoms

• Often clients will express frustration as people are not sympathetic to their condition

• Clients tend to cope with symptoms by planning acivities to budget their energy

ReferencesReferences

• Mondell, D. L. (c2005.). Living with fibromyalgia 4 steps to manage pain and lead a fulfilling life / (1st ed. ed.). New York : McGraw-Hill,.

• National Fibromyalgia Association. (2006). Retreived February 1, 2007, from http://www.fmaware.org/fminfo/brochure.htm

• Sietsema, K. E. (1997). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In J.L. Durstine & G.E. Moore (Eds.), American College of Sports Medicine: Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities. (pp.141-145). Windsor: Human Kinetics

• Wallace, Daniel J. (Daniel Jeffrey),1949-. (2002.). All about fibromyalgia. Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press,.