Debbie Peckham, 62, and daughter Peggy Nuss, 39, both suffer from fibromyalgia, condition that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and tenderness.
They’ve also both found a way to manage the pain they feel from the chronic disorder.
Both Debbie and Peggy take group aquatics classes through OSF St. Mary Medical Center Health and Rehabilitation Services. The program offers classes focusing on arthritis, fibromyalgia, pain management and fitness. Classes are led by trained rehabilitation staff in the indoor, warm-water pool.
“The therapy pool is a tremendous benefit for me. In the pool, I can exercise muscles and joints that I can’t exercise on land,” said Peggy, a Knoxville resident who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at age 30. Peggy has had several surgeries and often uses a cane when she walks. “We work through every joint and muscle of the body, from our fingertips to our shoulders to our knees and toes. If it weren’t for the pool classes, there wouldn’t be a lot of physical activity that I could do and my physical abilities would significantly decline.”
Debbie, whose fibromyalgia became so painful a few years ago that “life came to a stop,” said she is grateful to be back to her active self.
“My mobility has improved, and it helps tremendously with the pain,” said Debbie, who lives in Galesburg. “It not only feels good in the water, but the benefits are cumulative; about six months ago I lost an inch on my waist. I can’t sing the praises enough.”
Last Updated: November 5, 2018