The treatment of fibromyalgia can be very frustrating for both patients and their physicians, which is one reason self help for fibromyalgia is so popular. Self help for fibromyalgia is very much available and puts you in control. Aside from relieving some frustrations, you can institute the best treatment plan by incorporating a number of natural and self-care techniques into your daily life. Although medical treatments for fibromyalgia are available, experts have discovered that the best treatment plan is actually a combination of exercise, proper nutrition, medicine, physical therapy and relaxation.
Self Help Steps to Fibromyalgia Relief
If you are currently not incorporating exercise as part of your treatment plan, try low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming. Although you may be suffering from pain due to fibromyalgia, take this very important step knowing that exercise can help relieve pain; and the endorphins released during exercise contributing to mental fitness as well.
Another very important fibromyalgia self help step is investigating foods that help fibromyalgia and incorporating them into your diet. There is a wealth of information available on the internet, and you can also speak with others (perhaps via a forum) who have discovered the benefits of certain foods. Several books have also been written on this subject; but you can keep this simple and start right away. Simply incorporate what you have probably heard since childhood: “eat your fruits and vegetables”. Raw fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that help boost the immune system. Additionally, trials have shown that the combination of magnesium and malic acid can help increase energy and lessen muscle pain in those suffering from fibromyalgia, another reason to eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Magnesium is an essential mineral that can be found in beans, green peas, nuts and raisins while malic acid is found in fruits, especially apples. Remember to drink plenty of water along with these foods that help fibromyalgia. Water purifies the system and increases the circulation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Water can also be considered excellent therapy for fibromyalgia sufferers. Simply immersing oneself in warm water brings on a sense of relaxation; but aquatic exercise is also offered by aquatic physical therapists to combat fibromyalgia symptoms. Aquatic therapy can be considered as physical therapy, as well as exercise in the water. A regular aquatic exercise program can help break a pattern of inactivity, a fibromyalgia self help step that allows you to recapture control. The inherent properties of water itself, such as buoyancy, viscosity, temperature, and surface tension are also considered therapeutic.
Finally, relaxation therapy should not be overlooked as a beneficial fibromyalgia self help step. Relaxing both your physical body and your mind can reduce the effects of stress, including many symptoms caused by fibromyalgia. Relaxation therapy includes physical, emotional, and spiritual relaxation that reduces stress and fatigue and invigorates the mind and body. Many relaxation therapy techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga can be done at home, thereby making this fibromyalgia self help step easily accessible and rewarding.