Does physiotherapy treat fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can make pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, and sensitivity to effort affect everyday activities. A physiotherapist can assess how you move and how symptoms respond to exertion, then tailor a gentle programme. Treatment may include low-impact aerobic activity, mobility work, breathing or relaxation strategies, and functional strengthening. The aim is better tolerance for useful activities rather than pushing through a flare.

Start with an amount of activity you can repeat without a major symptom flare. Short walks, easy cycling, pool exercise, or simple home movements may be considered, depending on your health and preferences. Increase one part of the programme at a time and use planned rest before exhaustion. Keep a brief record of activity, sleep, and symptoms so your clinician can adjust the pace. Read more about [Fibromyalgia](/conditions/fibromyalgia/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Arrange a clinical review if widespread pain or fatigue is new, worsening, or interfering with work, sleep, or self-care, because several conditions can cause similar symptoms. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden weakness, or new loss of bladder or bowel control. Contact your physiotherapist if an exercise causes a marked or persistent increase in symptoms.

Ask which activities are suitable with your current symptoms, how to recognise a flare, and how progress will be measured. You can also ask whether another health problem, medication effect, or sleep issue needs assessment alongside physiotherapy.