I'm going to sign up for pool therapy to help with my fibromyalgia. The program is geared specifically for people with chronic pain. How many sessions should I go to?
In general, exercise to change muscle strength requires a consistent approach. Three times a week for 30 minutes is the base rate usually recommended. When an aerobic component is included, then sessions are longer to include a warm-up and cool-down time.
Most programs offer somewhere between 30 and 90 minutes of exercise and activity. The exercises include elements of muscle strengthening, joint range of motion, and cardiovascular fitness. Physical therapy supervised programs often add functional activities as well.
In a small number of patients, painful symptoms were increased with aquatic exercise. Because of the buoyancy of the water, it may be easy to overdo in the first few sessions. Pace yourself and see how you feel after the first session before going full-speed ahead.
Whereas patients with multiple sclerosis need cool water, those with fibromyalgia may do better with warm water. Depth of the water can make a difference, too. Water level between waist and chest height seems to work the best.
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