| This is a bizarre condition. A doctor makes a diagnosis when a person has had pain in at least 11 of the 18 characteristic tender points for three months or longer.
Other symptoms can include extreme fatigue, sleep problems, headaches irritable bowel disorders and depression. The majority of people who suffer from fibromyalgia are women of childbearing age, but men, children and older people also develop this disorder.
However, many diseases have these symptoms. The thing to remember is muscle soreness is the primary symptom In fact; Fibromyalgia was originally called "Fibrositis, which means inflamed muscles. When people complained about the soreness and the medical practitioner found no inflammation it was thought the condition might be psychological. A diagnostic criterion for the condition was not recognized until 1990. Many physicians today are not that familiar with fibromyalgia.
What causes fibromyalgia is still a mystery. Researchers believe it has something to do with the way the brain and central nervous system (CNS) interprets pain. Elevated levels of certain neurochemicals in the CNS have been noted in people with fibromyalgia.
There is no cure or standard treatment method. Because of the lack of effective medicine, people must take a holistic self-care approach, and through trial and error discover what modalities and therapies work best. Cognitive-behavioral therapy programs help correct the destructive ways of thinking. Work on their "attitude" or outlook on life and keep them accountable.
That's why exercise can help. The benefits of exercise include: stronger and healthier muscles and joints, self-confidence, empowerment, better sleep, better moods, stress reduction and depression and, forces the client out of the house to interact with other people.
Use your common sense. Each exercise program should be individualized and include input from other healthcare providers. Walking, cycling and swimming are a few aerobic activities, while strength training and stretching should be moderate and performed at appropriate levels. Don't push this client physically. Imagine they're in an "over-trained" state. Open up dialogue with your client.
Keep the workout fun. Keep the conversation and experience upbeat and positive. I hope you don't encounter many clients with this disorder. For their sake.
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