What are the treatment options for fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can involve widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, sensitivity to touch and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a clinician reviews your history, examination and any appropriate tests rather than relying on one symptom. A GP consultation can help coordinate care and review medicines, sleep, mood and other health concerns. Exercise therapy starts at a manageable level and builds gradually around your energy and recovery. Physiotherapy can address movement, strength, pacing and day-to-day function; hydrotherapy uses warm-water exercise when land-based activity is difficult. A pain management programme may teach coping skills, pacing and ways to reduce the impact of flare-ups. A vitamin D test may be considered when clinically relevant.

Choose one or two changes at a time and keep a simple record of activity, sleep, pain and recovery. Pacing means alternating activity with planned rest before exhaustion forces a stop. Gentle, regular movement is often easier to maintain than occasional strenuous sessions. Discuss new medicines, supplements and persistent sleep problems with a clinician. Explore [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/), [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/), [Hydrotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hydrotherapy/), [Pain Management Programme](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/pain-management-programme/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden one-sided weakness, new confusion, fainting, or thoughts of harming yourself. Arrange a clinical review for a new unexplained symptom, rapidly changing pain, persistent fever, unintentional weight loss or a major change in sleep or mood. Read more about [Fibromyalgia](/conditions/fibromyalgia/) and ask whether a [Vitamin D Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/vitamin-d-test/) fits your assessment.

Ask which symptoms need checking for another cause, what activity level is realistic now, and how to progress after a flare. You can ask how sleep and mood will be addressed, whether a vitamin D test is relevant, and who will coordinate follow-up if several therapies are involved.