Physical exercise and fibromyalgia: moving to hurt less?

By Ana Espino | Published on May 13, 2026 | 4 min read


Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, severe fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. This disorder mainly affects women and significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Although the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood, central sensitization of pain appears to play a major role.

As a result, managing fibromyalgia remains challenging. Drug treatments often provide only limited benefits and may be associated with significant side effects. Current recommendations increasingly emphasize non-pharmacological approaches, yet it remains difficult to identify the most effective and best-tolerated strategies for patients.