"Motion is the Lotion" - Fibromyalgia Message Board

elmhar · 07-07-2006, 08:58 PM

I had a delightful experience this afternoon. On my walk became more acquainted with someone in my neighborhood who is a retired physio -- formerly worked at a pain clinic, helped people with chronic pain issues, including fibro, for years.

I probably got at least $100 value info while we talked; learned about a number of things. But I thought the above quote was precious. From a PT point of view, regular exercise is critical to being able to cope with chronic pain. It shouldn't be exercise beyond tolerance, but it should be regular & if at all possible, continuing to push the envelope just slightly, a little more added each week.

My new friend also mentioned that ICE is the most helpful non-med for severe, acute musculoskeletal pain ... slows down, even stops the nerves from firing. I'm chicken, actually a heat-for-fibro gal. Anybody tried ice?

Best wishes.

ashraven828 · 07-08-2006, 01:06 AM

I've tried ice and although it does help get rid of the pain, I absolutely HATE the beginning when you first put it on. The cold is so painful! Of course, after it goes numb it doesn't hurt anymore...lol.

cjsmommy · 07-09-2006, 01:11 AM

I'm a walking example of "motion is the lotion" (I love that saying!) is the way to go. Its hard but since I started excersing regularly I've felt tons better. I still have fatigue issues in general but the pain is much less most days. I wish I had a cure for the fatigue...it sure would be nice.

stick2013 · 07-10-2006, 03:52 AM

I too, will agree with "Motion is the Lotion" I have been working out since Jan. and since then I have stopped taking all pain meds, and muscle relaxers. The only thing I take is Cymbalta. I mostly do walking on the treadmill, or walking tapes ( Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds) but I do manage to get in small hand weights, crunches, and pushups a few times a week. Feel sssssooooooooo much better, and I have more energy. Sleep is still an issue, but I manage.

I know it's hard to start a program, and even harder to stick to it, but it helps, and so I keep at it everyday. In the last 3 weeks I have had some problems, so working out wasn't possible. Diverticulitis, vertigo, and I fell down a flight of stairs and sprained my foot real bad. After the first week NOT working out, I could hardly get out of bed in the morning, I ached all over, stiff, and hurt everywhere.

On Friday I started working out again....Yes I had pain, and hurt evem more on Sat. But today is Monday, and I just finished 1 1/2 miles on the treadmill, I feel great again.....

Have a pain free day

Glojer · 07-10-2006, 03:52 PM

Love that saying, it is so true. I do regular exercise classes and the circuit at my work out place and use my treadmill at home as often as possible. I am sure that is why I keep so much pain away and lately my flares haven't been lasting as long. Anyway I hope so cause I can't give it up I feel like it helps so much.