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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Showering pain

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Murray Bridge, AU

Does anyone know exactly why showers can trigger pain or even flares? Is it to do with the bending, reaching, stretching etc? And does anyone have advice or tips on how to avoid it?

May 6
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Reactions
A MyFibroTeam Member

@ LisaHammond I use a shower chair to help with controlling pain when showering and a handle that attaches to the side of the tub away from the wall. Hope this helps you and others.

May 6
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi Lisa i hope your doing ok we haven't spoken for a while..regarding showering, i finish with it pretty hot while doing some gentle stretching..on a funnier note the boys and I just finished making hangover 4 on our recent golf trip in Thailand

May 7
A MyFibroTeam Member

For me water is the best I can move my body in ways I could not do out of the water! I can excersize by walking in the water and it does not hurt me! Try the water it works love Judy

May 7
A MyFibroTeam Member

I enjoy a nice hot shower, it does relax my sore muscles but I also use a shower chair because I do tend to get very light headed and am afraid I will lose my balance and fall. Hope you find whatever works for you.

May 7
MyFibroTeam

Why do showers trigger pain or flares with fibromyalgia?

Great question — and yes, it's very real and very common. Showering involves a surprising amount of physical effort: bending, reaching, standing, and balancing. For someone with fibromyalgia, these movements can strain already sensitive muscles and joints.

There's Show Full Answer

Why do showers trigger pain or flares with fibromyalgia?

Great question — and yes, it's very real and very common. Showering involves a surprising amount of physical effort: bending, reaching, standing, and balancing. For someone with fibromyalgia, these movements can strain already sensitive muscles and joints.

There's also another layer to it. Fibromyalgia involves something called central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive. This means even normal sensations — like water pressure on skin — can be interpreted as painful signals by the brain.

Temperature changes in the shower can also play a role. Shifts between hot and cold can activate nerve receptors and intensify pain or trigger a flare. Here are some practical tips that may help make showering more manageable:

- Use a shower chair or stool to reduce the strain of standing
- Install grab bars for stability and to reduce the effort of balancing
- Use a handheld showerhead to avoid excessive reaching and stretching
- Keep water temperature moderate — very hot or cold water may worsen sensitivity
- Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps to avoid additional skin irritation
- Keep showers shorter to limit overall physical exertion
- Shower at your best time of day — when energy and pain levels are more manageable
- Rest before and after to avoid overexertion triggering a flare

Many MyFibroTeam members also find that planning ahead and pacing themselves around shower time makes a big difference. It's worth experimenting to find what combination works best for you.

May 6

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