Fibromyalgia

Common Symptoms

• Widespread pain that has persisted for months or longer
• Fatigue that is not relieved by rest
• Sleep disturbance and unrefreshing sleep
• Cognitive symptoms, sometimes called 'fibro fog'
• Heightened sensitivity to pressure, temperature, or sound

What May Contribute

Fibromyalgia is shaped by multiple factors interacting over time, not by a single cause.

• Nervous system changes that amplify pain and other inputs
• Sleep disturbance and recovery challenges
• Stress, life context, and overall load on the system
• Long stretches of low activity that reduce overall tolerance to demand
• Other conditions that contribute to ongoing nervous system load

How Form and Function Approaches This

Fibromyalgia care has to respect the whole picture. We work to lower the load on the system, build capacity at a sustainable pace, and support a richer life around the condition.

• A thorough mechanical and functional assessment to identify what is driving symptoms
• A care plan that may combine hands-on care, movement, education, and recovery strategies based on your presentation
• Clear reasoning at each step, so you understand what we are doing and why
• Coordination with medical providers when imaging, medication, or specialist input would be helpful

Read more about our overall approach to care.

Treatment Options May Include

• Education about fibromyalgia and what tends to help
• Low-threshold, regular movement that builds tolerance without spiking symptoms
• Sleep and pacing work, which often shifts symptoms more than any single exercise
• Hands-on care selected to support rather than overload
• Coordination with primary care, rheumatology, or mental health when helpful
• Long-term planning around function, energy, and quality of life

How This Condition Is Commonly Diagnosed

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed clinically, usually by a physician, based on widespread pain and a recognized symptom pattern.

• History of pain distribution, fatigue, sleep, and other symptoms
• Examination to screen for other contributing conditions
• Coordination with medical providers for diagnosis and broader management
• Ongoing reassessment as symptoms change over time

Expected Recovery and Prognosis

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition, but it is not static. Many people see meaningful improvements in energy, function, and pain levels with consistent, well-paced care.

Progress tends to be gradual and is usually built from many small wins over time rather than from any single intervention.

Related Conditions

• Central Sensitization
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Connective Tissue Disorders
• Chronic Headaches & Migraines

Related Services

• Movement-Based Rehabilitation
• Chiropractic Care
• Telehealth

When Symptoms May Require Emergency Medical Evaluation

• Sudden or progressive weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Numbness in the groin or saddle region
• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Severe trauma or suspected fracture
• Persistent night pain or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or other non-musculoskeletal symptoms
• Symptoms that are severe, spreading, or not improving as expected

These symptoms are uncommon, but they can indicate conditions that may require urgent medical evaluation. If you are unsure whether your symptoms fit this category, Form and Function can help guide appropriate next steps or referrals when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions