Chronic Illness

lisaemmerson403135 started this discussion · 9/5/2026

Hi all,

I Have multiple auto immune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, Psoratic arthritis and Pernicious anemia, I have managed to pole despite all these things, taking breaks for flares and modifying when needed. I am currently six months into a break for what I thought was a particularly bad flare, however I have now been diagnosed with fibromyalgia as well.

Nobody seems to be able to tell me if pole is ok or not, I know I will have to shorten my training if I get back to it and possibly modify more, I just wondered if there was anyone here with fibromyalgia who could give me hope, and advice for what to discuss with my physio and Dr's

Thanks, Lisa

4 replies

Marypol · 9/5/2026
Sorry, I’m not a doctor, and I do not have fibromyalgia, but I could not avoid writing. I would not assume that the diagnosis means you have to give up pole.
Exercise is for sure recommended for fibromyalgia, including both aerobic and strengthening. I am convinced not exercising is much worse, but of course now you have to explore how to exercise safely for your specific case.
I would ask your physio to help you identify what movements are safe for your joints and spine, which pole movements may aggravate symptoms, and how to distinguish between training discomfort and a flare. And yes, I guess you will probably have to accept shorter and easier sessions, more rest…but I would not ask the doctor or physio if I can do pole, but decompose the movements for them to identify those that are not appropriate right now. Other thing I would try is nutrition, I am obsessed with metabolic health, there are many books about it (like Why we get sick). But your case is different, since you had pernicious anemia, so maybe a good one would be The Mediterranean Diet for Beginners, but I am not sure, please ask your doctor first.
Good luck, please don’t lose hope ??.
Veena · 9/6/2026
Ugh, that all sounds like a lot.
Here's my perspective on pole dance. There's so much to explore other than tricks. Slow, flow and movement just around the pole can be therapeutic for the nervous system, no tricks needed. You can still enjoy the pole massage routine or foam rolling and gentle stretching. Movements like body waves, hip circles are gentle but wonderful for the soul and body, the no pole flow class is a good one to help you tap into your own movement. On the days you're feeling good, working on some of the strength exercises while holding the pole can help reduce the amount of exertion, or balance needed. There's a walking mediation here as well, great for calming the mind and body.
Reframing your relationship with pole dance might be helpful in this situation. Our bodies are incredibly surprising and resilient if we learn how to listen to what it needs.
When I had my horrible sciatic pain I honestly thought I'd never pole dance again. I ended up reading The catastrophe of living book and it was super helpful. The pink text has the link for the book.
PS If you'd like to chat I'm available :)
lisaemmerson403135 · 9/18/2026
Thank you both for your replies and words of encouragement, I've had health shock after shock in the last few years and I was feeling very despondent. It seems my physio is very cautious aqua walking is his suggestion with specific additional exercises for my other joint issues however my Rhumatologist is certain once we find the right medication, because I have been so active in the past (pain in the last six months had stopped everything) I will be able to pole again but as Veena suggested, gentler versions of the sport. I have been out to my workout room today and just walked around the pole with a few swoops and dips, felt amazing so for the first time all year I have hope.
Veena · 9/18/2026
@lisaemmerson403135 I'm so glad you had a little swoop time!! Have you looked into any holistic options? Things like stress and unresolved trauma, even stuff that a person isn't even aware of, can really take a toll on our physical body. I use to have all kinds of aches and pains doctors couldn't find a reason for. I started using cannabis in 2020 and I use for mediation and to help reprogram my negative thought patterns which has been life changing for my nervous system. If you're on medications you'd have to ask about side effects but I'm telling you, cannabis is medicine when used with intention. If you're ever curious about it, I'm happy to further explain how I consum for improving my quality of life.