Ep 78 Movement as Medicine. Rose Harwood from the documentary Invisible: the Film shares her Recovery Story Part 1 of 3

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In this week's episode, we are starting a three-part series about arguably one of the single most powerful treatments for fibromyalgia. It is more powerful than common medications, such as duloxetine, cyclobenzaprine, and amitriptyline. We will discuss the powerful role movement played in treating fibromyalgia in Rose Harwood. She was told at age 14 that she had fibromyalgia and that she should prepare for a life where she had to restrict her expectations of what she would be able to do in her life. She was told that she would have to greatly limit her most treasured activities, including keeping active and becoming an actor. Despite being told this, Rose discovered what made her feel better and what made her feel worse and, on her own, discovered how she could live better and went on to put fibromyalgia into remission despite being diagnosed at a time when relatively little was known, and treatments were limited. 

Rose's story is one of several of those living with fibromyalgia just shared in the new documentary, Invisible the Film. Her story is unique because she was able to recover and continue to stay recovered from fibromyalgia. I hope that hers is a story of hope that will inspire many. At the same time, I recognize that it might be triggering to others who have never recovered and are living or have lived many years with severe symptoms. Rose also has a year-long program called Zero to Hero to help those with fibromyalgia use movement to live better with fibromyalgia.

Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book

Joy Lenz

Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*