Exercise and physical therapy

Exercise. Getting up and moving are key to improving fibromyalgia. A lack of activity worsens symptoms because unconditioned muscles are more sensitive to pain. Although exercising may be the last thing people with fibromyalgia want to do when they feel achy and tired, studies have shown that symptoms improve after six to eight weeks of moderate aerobic exercise.

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It is important not to overdo it, however. Start slowly, with perhaps five to 10 minutes of brisk walking a day. Gradually increase the exercise time to 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week. People whose pain is exacerbated by the jarring movements of weight-bearing exercise (such as walking or jogging) may try swimming or riding a stationary bicycle instead.

Physical therapy. In some cases, doctors may refer people with fibromyalgia to a physical therapist, either to design an exercise program or to treat particularly painful flares. Physical therapists employ several techniques. For example, in "spray and stretch," a physical therapist sprays the sore region with ethyl chloride to anesthetize it before stretching the patient's muscles.