What is a common result of exercise for individuals experiencing fibromyalgia?

A short-lasting increase in pain threshold is an appropriate response to exercise for individuals experiencing fibromyalgia. While fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and sensitivity, moderate exercise can lead to a temporary elevation in the body's pain threshold. This occurs due to the release of endorphins and other neurochemical changes that can help mitigate pain perception, albeit temporarily.

Individuals with fibromyalgia often find that engaging in low-impact aquatic exercises can help them manage their symptoms, providing a sense of relief. Importantly, this brief window of increased pain threshold can contribute to improved mobility and function, encouraging continued participation in exercise programs.

In contrast, while some individuals may experience increased pain sensitivity or severe joint swelling during or after exercise, these are generally not the primary outcomes for all individuals with fibromyalgia and are often related to overexertion or inappropriate exercise intensity. Decreased fatigue levels can occur with a regular and well-structured exercise program but is not as directly correlated with the immediate effects of exercise as the increase in pain threshold.