Musculoskeletal Condition

Fibromyalgia support

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems and often cognitive difficulties. It affects around 1–2% of the UK population — more commonly women — and is frequently misunderstood or dismissed. While there is no cure, a range of therapies can significantly reduce its impact and improve quality of life.

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What is Fibromyalgia support?

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitisation syndrome — a condition in which the central nervous system processes pain signals abnormally, amplifying ordinary sensations into painful ones. It is not an inflammatory or structural condition, which is why standard investigations often appear normal and why anti-inflammatory medications are typically ineffective.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but fibromyalgia is associated with disrupted sleep, stress, trauma, and dysregulation of pain-processing pathways. It frequently develops following a physical or emotional trigger such as illness, injury, surgery or a stressful life event.

Fibromyalgia is a real, recognised medical condition — it is listed in the ICD-11 and has been consistently validated in research. The historical dismissal of it as "medically unexplained" or psychological has caused significant harm to those living with it.

Signs and symptoms

Core symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Widespread musculoskeletal pain — affecting multiple regions of the body, often described as aching, burning or throbbing
Fatigue — often profound, not relieved by rest
Sleep disturbance — non-restorative sleep despite adequate duration
Cognitive difficulties ("fibro fog") — difficulty concentrating, remembering words, or processing information
Heightened sensitivity — to touch, temperature, noise and light
Headaches and migraines
Irritable bowel symptoms
Mood difficulties — anxiety and depression are common comorbidities

How therapy can help

Management of fibromyalgia is most effective when it combines physical activity, psychological support and, where appropriate, medication. No single approach is sufficient for most people.

Graded exercise and movement therapy — aerobic exercise is one of the most evidence-based approaches for fibromyalgia, improving pain, fatigue and mood. Low-impact options such as swimming, walking, yoga and tai chi are particularly well tolerated
CBT — addresses the psychological factors that amplify symptoms, including fear-avoidance, catastrophising and the relationship between mood and pain
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) — good evidence for reducing pain and improving quality of life in fibromyalgia
Massage therapy — can reduce pain and improve sleep in the short term
Acupuncture — some evidence for short-term pain reduction
Hydrotherapy — warm water exercise can be particularly beneficial for those who find weight-bearing exercise difficult

Seeking help

If you suspect fibromyalgia, a GP assessment is the appropriate starting point. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical criteria (widespread pain and associated symptoms for at least three months) rather than tests, which are mainly used to rule out other conditions.

Fibromyalgia UK and the NFMCP (National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association) offer resources and support. Pain management programmes through the NHS can also be helpful. When seeking a therapist, look for experience with chronic pain or fibromyalgia specifically.

Therapies that may help with Fibromyalgia support

Therapy	Evidence	Notes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist	strong	CBT for fibromyalgia psychological component.
Mindfulness Practitioner	moderate	Mindfulness for fibromyalgia; good evidence.
Nutritional Therapist	moderate	Nutritional approaches for fibromyalgia.
Pain Reprocessing Therapist	strong	Pain reprocessing therapy for fibromyalgia.
Physiotherapist	strong	Graded exercise for fibromyalgia management.
Acupuncturist	moderate	Adjunct for fibromyalgia pain; review after short course.
Alexander Technique Practitioner	moderate	Used for fibromyalgia pain via movement re-education.
Biofeedback Practitioner	moderate	Biofeedback for fibromyalgia pain management.
Bowen Technique Practitioner	moderate	Bowen for fibromyalgia.
Clinical Pilates Practitioner	moderate	Used for fibromyalgia via gentle graded exercise.
EMDR Practitioner	moderate	EMDR for fibromyalgia trauma component.
Emmet Technique Practitioner	moderate	Emmett technique for fibromyalgia.
EFT Practitioner	moderate	EFT for fibromyalgia pain.
Fascial Stretch Therapist	moderate	Fascial stretch therapy for fibromyalgia.
Hydrotherapist	moderate	Hydrotherapy for fibromyalgia management.
Hypnotherapist	moderate	Used for fibromyalgia pain management.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner	moderate	MLD used for fibromyalgia symptom support.
Massage Therapist	moderate	Commonly used for fibromyalgia pain.
Meditation Practitioner	moderate	Meditation for fibromyalgia.
Myofascial Release Practitioner	moderate	Myofascial release for fibromyalgia.
Naturopath	moderate	Naturopathic approaches to fibromyalgia.
Osteopath	moderate	Used for fibromyalgia pain management.
Pilates Practitioner	moderate	Pilates for fibromyalgia.
Psychotherapist	moderate	Psychotherapy for fibromyalgia psychological support.
Rolfing Practitioner	moderate	Rolfing for fibromyalgia.
Sports Therapist	moderate	Sports therapy for fibromyalgia pain management.
Structural Integration Practitioner	moderate	Used for fibromyalgia pain management.
Tension and Trauma Practitioner	moderate	TRE for fibromyalgia.
Yoga Therapist	moderate	Yoga for fibromyalgia pain and wellbeing.
Body Stress Release Practitioner	limited	Used for fibromyalgia.
Zero Balancing Practitioner	limited	Zero balancing for fibromyalgia.

Frequently asked questions

Is fibromyalgia a real condition?

Yes — fibromyalgia is a well-recognised medical condition listed in the ICD-11 and supported by substantial research. It involves real abnormalities in how the central nervous system processes pain. The historical tendency to dismiss it as psychological or imaginary has caused significant harm and is not supported by current evidence.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The exact cause is not fully understood. Fibromyalgia is associated with central sensitisation — abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system. Contributing factors appear to include genetics, disrupted sleep, stress and trauma. It often develops following a physical or emotional trigger.

Does exercise help or make fibromyalgia worse?

When done appropriately, exercise is one of the most evidence-based treatments for fibromyalgia, improving pain, fatigue, sleep and mood. The key is graded, low-impact activity that starts gently and builds gradually. Pushing too hard too fast can cause symptom flares; avoiding exercise altogether leads to deconditioning that worsens the condition.

Is fibromyalgia progressive?

Fibromyalgia is not typically progressive in the way that degenerative conditions are. Symptoms fluctuate and many people find that with appropriate management they improve significantly over time. However, without effective management, symptoms can become more entrenched.

Can fibromyalgia be cured?

There is currently no cure for fibromyalgia. However, many people achieve significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life through a combination of graded exercise, psychological support and, where appropriate, medication. The goal of treatment is meaningful improvement in daily functioning and quality of life rather than elimination of all symptoms.

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Also known as

Fibromyalgia