By Richard Lenti

Moderate exercise such as walking just twice a week can reduce pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia without making joints feel worse, according to a new study published in Arthritis Care & Research.

While previous studies have shown short term benefits from exercise, fibromyalgia sufferers often fail to keep up with exercise programs out of fear that it will worsen pain. But it doesn’t have to be that way, according to researchers.

“They’re more worried that it’s going to be painful, but that’s more of a psychological effect,” said lead author Anthony Kaleth, PhD, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

“One of the best known therapeutic activities for fibromyalgia patients is exercise. Our study confirmed that result.”

Read more at National Pain Report.