Alternative Treatments Homepage

Question: What alternative treatments would you recommend for fibromyalgeia?

(Posted by: JOANNA B on 2010-01-22 13:48:31)

Posted by: Sue on 2010-01-22, 13:58:27

The best long-term answer is actually exercise. I know, it's exactly what you don't feel like doing when you hurt all over. See if you can find a therapeutic pool in your area (there's one at the cerebral palsy center here, and some physical therapists have them). Ideally, it's kept at 90 degrees or more. Just moving around in it (why tub won't work, can't move enough) to start with. The combination of the warmth and the water pressure helps you move more comfortably than you would think you can. Second, find a good massage therapist who works with fibromyalgia patients. You don't want the run-of-the-mill folks whose clientele just want to relax & feel pampered, you want someone who really understands and has experience with FM. It may take you a ton of phone calls to find someone, but it's really worth it. Try massage schools, pain management clinics, and physical therapy offices for recommendations. Third, you can add acupuncture to get even better results. The combo of these approaches did far more for me than all the meds the docs threw at me.

Posted by: Sarah on 2010-01-22, 13:51:39

Massage therapy. find a therapist that is familiar with trigger point therapy and have him/ her explain to you how it helps with fibromyalgia. it really does work.

Posted by: thenoseknows on 2010-01-22, 13:56:27

Consult with a professional homeopath. The remedy is tailored to the individual, and there are probably at least 50 different remedies for whatever "fibromyalgia " symptoms you may be having. Neat thing is that you can expect to be pain free, have a lot more energy, and not have to resort to drugs with side-effects for the rest of your life. It's well worth it.

Posted by: Dr Frank on 2010-01-22, 14:05:50

Well you can attend your GP, alternatively you could attend a rheumatologist or a neurologist. Simple paracetamol may help the pain or alternatively you may benefit from an NSAID. Raising neurotransmitter levels with a tricyclic may help, alternatively SSRIs or SNRIs can be tried. Sometimes muscle relaxants can be used for fibromyalgia these include tizanidine and carisoprodol. Other neuro-active drugs such as carbamazepine or the alternatives gabapentin and pregabalin may help both pain and insomnia. Alternatively you could waste your time and money on homeopathy, herbalism, faith healing, voodoo or acupuncture, none of which have a jot of evidence to support their use.

Posted by: perfection on 2010-01-22, 14:11:00

I have ME which is slightly different. I have tried many things but most helpful is probably reflexology. Also Rhodiola Rosea is supposed to be good as it supports the adrenals. I started this just two days ago so can't comment yet, but it's something to research :)

Posted by: Rhianna Returns on 2010-01-22, 15:30:53

Fibromyalgia isn't exactly a disease per se. It's an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that may be closely related to other problems. There is some doubt that such conditions exist at all. Some studies show that it could be related to problems with pain messages and maybe even hormone issues. The condition is closely related to stress and usually goes away with the passage of time. CBT has been shown to be successful with FM. Natural treatments or things that will help include a proper diet, plenty of exercise (in particular swimming) and adequate sleep. No Pharmacological treatment has found to be very useful in this situation. CAM may be useful (not bcause it changes any physical condition) but because it can help with relaxation. If you are in actual pain, ask your GP to refer you to a pain clinic or a Rheumatologist with a special interest in Fibromyalgia.

Posted by: ~D on 2010-01-22, 16:43:37

Acupuncture and Tai chi. Together they can restore your bodies balance and let your body repair itself, so that you function more normally.

Posted by: Mr E on 2010-01-22, 18:20:53

It is a syndrome arising from thyroid dysfunction, the most common cause of which is nerve interference. a few other thyroid related symptoms, one or more of which may also possibly (but not necessarily) be present, include sore throats, emotional lability (cries easily), depression, chronic fatigue (syndrome also), and osteoporosis. i recommend you seek an hio method chiropractor.

Posted by: chuck on 2010-01-24, 07:48:39

"a professional homeopath? " ha ha ha ...

Posted by: massage therapist on 2010-01-24, 10:15:52

One of the very best "alternative' treatments for fibromyalgia is Bowen Therapy. There is a ton of info on the internet about it. It has been around for 50-60 years and is just now becoming known in the US. You can find a therapist trained in it at bowendirectory.com/ If you or anyone you know is suffering from fibro, you owe it to yourself to try it. You will know if it will help usually within three treatments.