JOINT HEALTH AND
FIBROMYALGIA

Joint health concerns are not uncommon for those with fibromyalgia and many have joint involvement of some kind. 

More people with fibro are exhibiting joint or bone density issues and a tendency towards any of the various forms of arthritis.

Effectively treating joint issues requires addressing all areas, including diet, movement, lifestyle, and better sleep strategies. 

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Joint involvement or joint disease can vary in degree depending on history, ongoing deficiency and active TRP’s (trigger points) that can ‘pull’ on and exacerbate the integrity of joints.

In fact, many of the fibromyalgia TRP’s are located in close proximity to joints used within daily range of motion such as knee, hip and shoulder joints.

FEELING ALL FLARED UP ?

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I often talk about the inflammatory factors in fibromyalgia during our videos, because there is a myth floating around that fibro is not inflammatory.

The key is that no, not all symptoms in fibro are related to inflammation factors, but there are a handful that are. 

Those include:
costochondritis, trigger points, and possible neuroinflammation. 


And, any form of arthritis that often accompanies fibro is an inflammatory condition as well as a perpetuating factor within fibromyalgia.

And, inflammation often coincides with many co-conditions and/or digestive illness. 

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Joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscle health 

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When working to strengthen joints, we are also working on the surrounding areas including tendons, ligaments and muscle.

For instance, in osteoarthritis, the joints can become out of alignment through wear, injury, active TRP’s (trigger points) or inadequate muscle strength.

I like to say that our bodies are meant to move and to strengthen.  The amount of weight someone pushes versus another person really has no significance. It is more about finding the exercises that work for you and being consistent. 

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In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is more active due to the body attacking itself as an ‘auto immune’ response.

Yet, In all cases of arthritis, the inflammation, TRP’s, myofascial constriction and any deficiency need to be addressed.

(See also Fibromyalgia-Trigger-Points for related information.)

ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) can be more challenging for people with joint related pain. We talk often about the differences between these activities of daily living that can sometimes be detrimental and the focused exercises that strengthen and create greater agility within the body.

This is essential to understand and remember. For example, while leaning down to clean a bathtub may be nearly impossible with painful joints, participating in focused exercises can be done by most people.

Safe and effective exercise 

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As a practitioner and trainer living with and specializing in fibromyalgia, I get it, I will never tell you to just "go exercise" I want you to have the best tools. 

Because joint pain can be debilitating, we need to be sure we are keeping our activity safe and effective.

I always recommend using variety in your activities to avoid repetition and stress on joints.

For instance, we use the bike for increasing strength around the knee, but only in short increments, like 3-5 minutes. We also want just enough intensity to get the blood flowing around those joints. Blood flow will help to decrease pain.

For joint health, it is essential to focus on increasing muscle strength whenever possible. Joints and muscle support each other.

Joints are strengthened through daily strength applications, starting with body weight exercises and progressing to light to moderate weight training.

Using weights that strap around the ankle/lower leg area can be very effective when working to strengthen knees and ankles.

Exercises such as leg lifts or lying on a raised platform using ankle weights can be done safely even for those who cannot get down on the floor. A bed can also be used. 

We also use light compression wear around vulnerable areas like the knees, feet (nerve pain) and shoulders. We find Copper Wear helpful.

Experiment with different compression wear until you find brands that help you and feel comfortable for every day wear. Compression is essential for increasing blood flow while protecting joints and muscles.

(See also Fibromyalgia Exercise and Treatment-For-Fibromyalgia-Myofascial-Release for related information.)

What about nutritional support for joints?

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We have experimented with various remedies for joint health over the years. We have found a few that seem to be more effective over long term use. Not that anyone can take all of these, the point is to trial and error over time. 

• Hyaluronic acid, Strontium, Collagen (Great Lakes brand) Fish oils, CLO (Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil), Glucosamine, Biosil liquid, and FG's Joint Jello as shown below. 
  
  
• I also like MSM for joints, hair and skin. Although I am not linking one here, as I have found many good brands out there, including Jarrow for MSM. 
  
  
• Additionally, I use and recommend Boswelia for natural anti-inflammation and respiratory support. The Savesta brand is a good potency. 
  
  
• Anti-inflammatories such as curcumin, ginger, black cumin oil ..
  
  
• And I especially like the Krill Healthy Joint Formula shown below:
  Be sure whatever brand you take is of good quality. 

Krill oil, a natural source of astaxanthin, suppresses free radicals, can reduce inflammation and enhances mitochondrial function, making this a perfect supplement for fibromyalgia and joint health alike.

Is eliminating gluten helpful for joints?

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We occasionally address this topic in our videos. Is gluten a bad thing for joint health? 

Well, it could be. Of course, not everyone needs to eliminate gluten from their diet. But if you have persistent joint pains, skin conditions, poor digestion, and you eat gluten regularly, it might be worth trying an elimination of gluten to see if you notice a difference. 

I would give yourself at least 4-6 weeks time off of gluten to see if that is an issue. 

My Joint Jello recipe For Joint Health

The Oska for cellular healing 

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We have been using the Oska for just over a year now, and it has become another tool in our toolbox. 

Check out the Oska if you haven't yet. Top of this article right under navigation bar. The Oska Wellness company is giving our followers 55.00 off and a 60 day money back guarantee.

Oska works at the cellular level on joints, muscle pain, tendons, ligaments. It is not a cure, and it is also not a tens unit which does not heal on a cellular level. Use code 55OFF for discount. At least give it a try if you have both fibro and osteo pain. 

What about the power of
butter oil and fermented cod liver oil?

Green Pastures Fermented Cod liver oil with butter oil is a powerful combination for the body and joints. Check out the link and read more about this product we have been using for years. If it is not in the budget right now, make a note for later. It is worth trying. >>

Our skeletal system is the 'foundation' of our bodies. 
Everything we put into our bodies must go through the process of digestion and this can affect bone and joint nourishment. 

How and when we sleep also affects the integrity of our bones and joints; create a lifestyle that supports this foundation while supporting a more functional life with fibromyalgia at the same time.

Visit our other related articles by using the Sitemap below and follow this link to the fitness page, Fibro Fit People if you like. 
Lisa. CT. PT. 

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