Warm Water Therapy: Soothing relief for fibromyalgia
It's a condition that forever changes a person's life. It is called fibromyalgia, and it effects each person differently. While managing the most common symptoms — chronic fatigue, pain and stiffness — can be difficult, many people have experienced significant relief from warm-water exercise. "Warm-water therapy raises the body temperature, which causes blood vessels to dilate which, in turn, increases circulation and helps relax muscles," explains
Sheldon Solomon, MD, rheumatologist and medical director of the William G. Rohrer Center for HealthFitness, Virtua Health's medically integrated fitness and wellness center.
The water also provides an ideal opportunity for exercise. It supports joints to encourage free movement and acts as resistance to help build muscle strength. "The soothing warmth and buoyancy of the water makes it a safe environment to exercise," says Dr. Solomon, who has served on the public education committee of the
National Arthritis Foundation and as chairman of its New Jersey chapter. "This allows people to lead a more active life with the least amount of pain and disability to the muscle."
The
William G. Rohrer Center for HealthFitness offers such a program in its 92-degree, warm-water therapy pool. Classes for exercise, education and support are offered through the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Center at Virtua.
Several class participants say that the warm-water exercise program has made a significant difference in their lives. The program, which combines range of motion exercise, endurance activities and relaxation techniques, has raised the self-confidence of the participants and allows them to do more and hurt less. The overall camaraderie and support of the group also helps them manage their frustration and avoid depression. To enroll in the program, individuals must have a confirmed fibromyalgia diagnosis and physician consent. For a free guide to Virtua arthritis services, call
1-888-Virtua-3.