Yoga: Hi I have fibromyalgia & am... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

59,421 members66,475 posts

Yoga

10 Replies

Hi

I have fibromyalgia & am increasingly feeling stiff, with painful muscles that fatigue very quickly (hanging a load of washing out is beyond me at the moment!). Just wondering if anyone goes to yoga & do they find it helpful with those symptoms?

Thanks!

X

10 Replies
phlebo123 profile image
phlebo123

I find yoga very beneficial, I have been going to a Hatha yoga class (this is one of the gentler kinds of yoga) once a week for 10 years. I also try and do a few of the stretches every day at home.

I especially enjoy the relaxation session at the end of the class.

My yoga teacher is very understanding and if you decide to go to a class, then make sure you inform the instructor of your limitations. Make sure you build up gradually and don't overdo things. I would also recommend Tai chl, as a gentle exercise xx

clare_hart profile image
clare_hart in reply to phlebo123

I agree with all your points phlebo. Really important to take it at your own pace and not let expectations of how well you should be doing.

Something I learned is that I was hampered by my own pride, thinking: I used to do it and I should be able to do it again.

But hey stupid, you can't reach that level overnight, maybe ever given the FM. But who cares if it works.

I have also done tai chi. It's really great for meditative movement and improving balance - centering the body. I find that it can be a bit more strenous than yoga as the postions progress. But then, I haven't found a class made for us fibromites either.

Shadows-walker profile image
Shadows-walker

I was doing yoga and told it was good for fibro , but since experiencing other issues been told I can only do Aqua aerobics, which is also good for fibro also hot tub is brill and massages. Hope you feel better soon , you sound like your haveing flare and the best medicine for that is rest .

Hugs

Chris

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

I am so genuinely sorry to read that you are struggling and suffering so much and I sincerely hope that you can find some resolution and relief to these issues. I do not do yoga but I do a daily gentle physiotherapy routine that helps me a great deal. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x :)

clare_hart profile image
clare_hart

Oh yeah. I started doing yoga after too many years away from it. Spent time rollerblading and other activities. Then I just couldn't do those things anymore. I didn't get back to yoga I think partly due to depression.

Anyway, I started in a "gentle yoga" class offered at our senior center. I had been pushing and hurting myslef using videos at home. So at home I just do my own routine based on what I'm learning and what I already know.

Now I use fewer pain meds and seem to have a bit more energy - maybe from the peace and relaxtion I get. I still have anxiety, even some panic, but it seems to be lessening. Time will tell. I just started practicing again a short time ago.

It is certainly worth a try. I won't let myself get out of the habit again!

Betty67 profile image
Betty67

Had a session of seated yoga last week, a little easier but still found it tough. The breathing was helpful.

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

I find it helps me, but you need to find a teacher that won't push you to do more than you can. Some will do seated classes for those with limited movement. Relaxation at the end of the class is wonderful, better than sleep! Good luck. MariLiz

Thank you so much for all your replies! I live in Cambridge & there is a yoga centre nearby, so am going to give it a go. 😊

Have a great week.

Xx

phlebo123 profile image
phlebo123 in reply to

Hope it goes well.. Don't push yourself too much, it has taken me 10 years to get to the stage I am now at. Remember to let the teacher know your limitations.

I was reading an article in the Telegraph yesterday that recommends Hatha yoga for arthritis.

Let us know how you get on xxx

in reply to phlebo123

Thanks for the advice - they do a hatha yoga course there, so I'll book myself in. Xx

You may also like...

Yoga boosts Stress-busting hormones and reduces pain!!

Thought I would share as I have just found this....

Yoga has helped my mobility and muscular pain

about how yoga has helped me so I trained as a yoga teacher. My first class for chronic pain...