Exercise for fibromyalgia pain and fatigue

Physical activity can be tough when you have fibromyalgia. It may be difficult to exercise on the days you're feeling fatigued. And on days when you're feeling well, you may be tempted to overdo it. But exercise is important, even if it's just a little. That’s because being inactive is likely to make your symptoms worse.

While many scientists agree that exercise may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms, they’re not yet certain about why it works. There’s likely no single reason, but many reasons working together. In fact, a 2023 review published in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease found 29 different plausible reasons. Among them:

Exercise improves sleep, relaxes muscles, and activates the body’s natural pain-relief system.

When muscles are exercised, they get more oxygen, which can lower pain sensitivity.

Some exercises may activate the immune system, the endocrine system, and the autonomic system, and may improve mental health.

There are no one-size-fits-all exercise guidelines, and strenuous activity may aggravate your fibromyalgia. But with a bit of trial and error—and guidance from your healthcare provider (HCP)—you can find activities that make sense for you.