Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Help Fibromyalgia?

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and does it Help Fibromyalgia?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s most commonly used to treat depression, but research shows it may also help with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

How It Works

• A device with an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp.

• It sends magnetic pulses into specific areas of your brain—usually the motor cortex or prefrontal cortex.

• These pulses activate neurons and can help regulate brain activity linked to pain perception, mood, and fatigue.

A magnetic coil is positioned on the patient's head. IMAGE: Baburov

Types of TMS

• Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Delivers pulses in rapid succession. This is the most studied form for fibromyalgia.

• Deep TMS: Reaches deeper brain structures and is used for more complex conditions.

For Fibromyalgia

Studies suggest rTMS may:

• Reduce pain intensity

• Improve quality of life

• Ease fatigue, anxiety, and depression

• Offer relief lasting weeks after treatment

It’s typically done in a clinic, with sessions lasting around 30–40 minutes, several times a week for a few weeks.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), specifically repetitive TMS (rTMS), is emerging as a promising non-invasive therapy for fibromyalgia. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, rTMS may help modulate pain perception and improve mood—two major challenges for people living with fibromyalgia.

New Research:

rTMS Shows Pain Relief and Quality of Life Improvements

A 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that rTMS significantly relieved pain and enhanced quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. This supports growing clinical interest in using brain stimulation to manage chronic pain conditions.

More Than Just Pain Relief:

rTMS Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue

A 2025 study published in SpringerOpen reported that rTMS not only reduced pain, but also lowered anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels in fibromyalgia patients. These findings suggest that rTMS may offer a more holistic benefit, targeting both physical and emotional symptoms.

Functional Gains:

Improved Function and Lasting Effects

According to Neuralia TMS, a 2018 study in the Journal of Pain Research showed that TMS effectively reduced pain and improved function in people with fibromyalgia. Another study published on ScienceDirect in 2025 found that pain relief from rTMS lasted up to 8 weeks post-treatment, with an excellent effect size.

Real-World Therapy:

What Clinics Are Saying

Smart TMS reports that studies consistently show rTMS relieves pain and enhances quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. Beyond pain relief, TMS also appears to reduce fatigue and improve emotional well-being.

So, Does TMS Help?

The evidence is stacking up: rTMS may be a powerful tool in the fibromyalgia treatment arsenal. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and shows promise in reducing pain, fatigue, and mood-related symptoms. While more large-scale trials are needed, current research suggests that TMS could offer meaningful relief for many fibro patients.

Have you tried TMS therapy? Did it help your fibromyalgia symptoms? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear from real people living with fibro.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have not personally tried these therapies. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on published research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Different approaches work for different people, and what helps one person may not help another.

Sources: 

Oxford Academic  –rTMS for Fibromyalgia

SpringerOpen 

Neuralia TMS 

Smart TMS 

Neurotherapeutics

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• 36 things to try when you have Fibromyalgia
• My experiences with starting hydrotherapy for fibromyalgia
• Keeping my house clean when chronically ill

Does Whole Body Vibration Help Fibromyalgia?

 

What is Whole Body Vibration and does it Help Fibromyalgia?

Whole body vibration (WBV) therapy is gaining attention as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia. While not as ancient as acupuncture, WBV is a modern physical therapy technique that may offer relief from some of the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Here's what the research says.

What is WBV

WBV stands for Whole Body Vibration. It's a therapeutic exercise technique where a person stands, sits, or performs movements on a platform that vibrates at specific frequencies. These vibrations stimulate muscle contractions and can enhance physical performance, balance, and circulation.

For people with fibromyalgia, WBV is being explored as a way to:

• Improve balance and coordination

• Enhance mobility and walking endurance

• Reduce fatigue and stiffness

• Potentially lower pain intensity

The idea is that the vibrations activate muscle fibers and improve neuromuscular function without requiring intense physical exertion—making it a gentle option for those with chronic pain or fatigue.

New Research:

Whole Body Vibration Improves Function in Fibromyalgia Patients

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effects of WBV training in fibromyalgia patients. 

The results? WBV led to meaningful improvements in activities of daily living, balance, and walking performance (6MWT). These gains may help reduce the risk of falls—an important benefit for fibro patients. However, WBV did not significantly improve pain intensity or overall quality of life. 

Researchers concluded that WBV may be a viable therapeutic option, but larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

What is the Six-Minute Walk Test?  (6MWT)

• It's a clinical test used to measure walking endurance and functional mobility.

• The person walks as far as possible in six minutes, usually on a flat, straight path.

• It’s commonly used to assess physical performance in people with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, COPD, heart failure, or arthritis.

So when the sentence says WBV (likely Whole Body Vibration therapy) improved walking performance (6MWT), it means participants were able to walk farther or more effectively during the six-minute test — a sign of improved physical function

 Clinical Trial Results:

The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia

In a randomized controlled trial, 40 participants (mostly women, average age 52.5) completed a WBV program. They continued using their regular medications (including Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Pregabalin, and Cyclobenzaprine). Participants showed notable improvements in function. 

Mixed Exercise + WBV:

Whole Body Vibration Combined With Mixed Exercise Shows Promise

Another study compared WBV plus mixed exercise (aerobic, strength, flexibility, and relaxation) to a control group. After six weeks, the results were compelling:

• Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL): Improved by 16% (absolute MD ‐16.02)

• Pain Intensity: Improved by 39% (absolute MD ‐28.22)

• Fatigue: Improved by 47% (absolute MD ‐33)

• Stiffness: Improved by 36.5% (absolute MD ‐26.27)

These outcomes met the 15% threshold for clinical relevance. Withdrawal rates were lower in the intervention group (8%) compared to controls (33%).

So, Does WBV Help?

The evidence suggests that WBV may help improve physical function, reduce fatigue, and ease stiffness in fibromyalgia patients. Pain relief and overall quality of life improvements are less consistent, and the quality of evidence is still considered low. But for those struggling with daily activities and balance, WBV might offer a new avenue of support.

How can you try WBV?

There are machines you can purchase to try this activity and regular use would be advisable. They say that they help lymphatic drainage and weight loss as well. 

Have you tried whole body vibration therapy? Did it help your fibromyalgia symptoms? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear from real people living with fibro.

Sources: 

The Therapeutic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients With Fibromyalgia. A Randomized Controlled Trial - 2021

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of whole body vibration training on fibromyalgia - 2025

Whole body vibration exercise training for fibromyalgia - 2017

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have not personally tried these therapies. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on published research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Different approaches work for different people, and what helps one person may not help another.

You might also like to find out more about:

• 36 things to try when you have Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia and stress
• Did Frida have Fibro?

A Built-In “Off Switch” for Chronic Pain — And Why It Matters Now

For those of us living with chronic pain, the idea of a future cure can feel like a cruel promise. We’ve heard it all before: “someday,” “soon,” “in the pipeline.” But this new research offers something different — not just hope, but a real, biological mechanism in the brain that could be targeted to turn pain down. Not in theory. In practice.

A stylized illustration of the human brain with a glowing hub in the brainstem,
symbolizing the newly discovered “off switch” for pain.

What Did They Find?

A team of scientists led by Dr. J. Nicholas Betley at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a group of brain cells that act like an “off switch” for long-lasting pain. These cells live in a part of the brainstem called the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN), and they’re activated when pain becomes chronic — the kind that doesn’t go away even after the injury heals.

But here’s the twist: these same cells also respond to things like hunger, fear, and thirst. When your brain decides survival is at stake — like when you're starving or in danger — it can actually suppress pain by flipping this internal switch.

How Does It Work?

The key player is a molecule called neuropeptide Y (NPY). When your brain is focused on something urgent (like finding food or escaping danger), NPY is released. It binds to special receptors (called Y1 receptors) on these brainstem neurons, and that quiets the pain signals before they reach the rest of your brain.

In other words: your brain already knows how to turn off pain. This research shows us where and how it does it.

Why This Matters for People in Pain

• It proves chronic pain isn’t “just in your head” — it’s in your brain’s wiring. That’s validating.

• It gives scientists a real target — these Y1R neurons — for developing new treatments.

• It opens the door to non-drug therapies — like behavioral tools (e.g., meditation, exercise, therapy) that might influence this pain circuit.

• It could lead to better diagnostics — using brain activity as a biomarker to prove and track chronic pain.

When Will This Help?

This isn’t a pill you can pick up tomorrow — but it’s not just a distant dream either. The discovery gives researchers a clear path: find ways to activate or mimic this “off switch” safely in humans. That could mean new medications, brain stimulation techniques, or even behavioral therapies designed to tap into this system.

So while it’s not a cure yet, it’s a concrete step — and one that finally focuses on the brain’s role in pain, not just the body’s.

Read the full research report at Penn University

Does Activity Pacing Really Help with Fibromyalgia? A Study Says Yes

 If you live with fibromyalgia, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Just pace yourself.” But what does that actually mean—and does it work?

A UK study tested a new way of teaching activity pacing to people with chronic pain and fatigue, including those with fibromyalgia. The results are promising and could help you better manage your symptoms.

What Is Activity Pacing?

Activity pacing is a strategy to help you balance activity and rest. Instead of pushing through pain or crashing after doing too much, pacing teaches you to:

• Break tasks into smaller chunks

• Take regular rest breaks

• Plan your day around your energy levels

• Avoid the boom-and-bust cycle

But here’s the catch: pacing advice can vary wildly depending on who you ask. That’s why researchers created a standardised activity pacing framework—a consistent way for healthcare professionals to teach pacing.

What Did the Study Do?

The study took place in a UK NHS pain clinic and included 107 adults with conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic back pain.

Participants joined a six-week rehabilitation program that followed the new pacing framework. Researchers tracked changes in symptoms like:

• Pain

• Fatigue (physical and mental)

• Depression and anxiety

• Self-confidence

• Physical and mental function

• Quality of life

They also looked at how well patients stuck with the program and how satisfied they were.

What Were the Results?

• 77% of eligible patients joined the study

• 89% attended at least five sessions

• Satisfaction scores averaged 9 out of 10

• Symptoms improved during the program

• Improvements were still noticeable three months later

In short: pacing helped. People felt better, functioned better, and learned how to manage their symptoms more effectively.

READ THE STUDY RESULTS

Things to Try When You Have Fibromyalgia

36 things to try when you have Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects every part of life—pain, fatigue, sleep, mood, and cognition. While there’s no universal fix, there are many strategies that can help you feel better, function more fully, and reclaim your energy. Here’s a comprehensive list of things to try, backed by research and real-life experience.

1. D-Ribose

This naturally occurring sugar helps fuel your cells. Studies by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum showed energy boosts of 45–61% in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients. Available as a supplement, many find it improves stamina and mental clarity.

2. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA is a fatty acid amide that supports the endocannabinoid system and may reduce pain and inflammation. It’s available over the counter and has shown promise in chronic pain conditions including fibromyalgia.

3. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

Originally used to treat addiction, LDN at low doses may help regulate the immune system and reduce pain sensitivity. Many fibro patients report improved sleep and reduced flare-ups.

4. Myofascial Massage

This gentle, sustained-pressure technique targets connective tissue and muscle knots. It can relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce tension without triggering post-massage soreness.

5. Reflexology

By stimulating pressure points on the feet, reflexology may help balance the nervous system and reduce pain perception. It’s a relaxing, non-invasive therapy worth trying.

6. Allergy Testing

Hidden food sensitivities or environmental allergies can exacerbate fibro symptoms. Identifying and eliminating triggers may reduce inflammation and fatigue.

7. Hydrotherapy

Moving in warm water can improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and ease pain.

8. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Some studies suggest it may reduce fibro pain and improve cognitive function by enhancing tissue oxygenation.

 9. Aerobic Exercise

Gentle aerobic activity (walking, swimming, cycling) 2–3 times a week can improve pain, fatigue, and mood. Start slow, increase gradually, and expect some short-term discomfort before long-term gains.

10. Strength Training

Light resistance training can help combat fatigue and improve muscle tone. Combine with endurance exercises for best results.

11. Mindfulness & Meditation

Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve pain tolerance, and calm the nervous system. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.

12. Exergaming

Video games that involve movement—like Wii Fit or VR fitness—can be a fun, low-impact way to stay active and engaged.

13. Whole-Body Vibration

Using vibration platforms alongside traditional exercise may reduce fatigue and improve physical function. See trial results here. 

14. Balneotherapy

Soaking in mineral-rich baths—like Epsom salts or hot springs—can soothe pain and boost energy.

15. Sleep Hygiene

Better sleep = better everything. Stick to a routine, avoid stimulants before bed, and create a calming sleep environment.

16. Raw Vegetarian Diet

A mostly raw plant-based diet may help reduce fatigue and inflammation. Think fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

17. TENS Units

These portable devices deliver electrical pulses to relieve pain and fatigue. Affordable and widely used.

18. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Noninvasive brain stimulation that may reduce fatigue and improve mood. Read the research about TMS. 

19. Electroconvulsive Therapy

Though controversial, ECT has helped some patients with severe fatigue and depression.

20. Cortical Electrostimulation

Another brain-based therapy showing moderate improvement in fatigue.

21. Sensory Motor Rhythm Treatment

A neurofeedback technique that helps regulate brain activity and reduce fatigue.

22. Low-Energy Laser Therapy

Mixed results for fatigue, but promising for pain relief.

23. Pulsed Ultrasound & Interferential Current

These therapies may help with morning fatigue and muscle stiffness.

24–30. Medications That May Help

Some prescription drugs have shown promise in reducing fatigue and improving quality of life:

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

• Milnacipran (Savella)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• GHB/Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem)

• Pramipexole (Mirapex)

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

• Raloxifene (Evista)

31. Acetyl L-Carnitine

An amino acid supplement that may improve mental clarity and energy.

32. Pacing & Planning

Use the “energy envelope” approach—plan your day around your energy levels to avoid crashes. Prioritize, delegate, and rest before you’re exhausted. Find out more about pacing here.

33. Multidisciplinary Care

Work with a team—rheumatologists, physiotherapists, psychologists—to address all aspects of fibromyalgia. A holistic approach often yields better results.

34. Yoga

Gentle yoga sequences tailored for chronic illness can ease pain, fatigue, and depression. It’s a calming way to reconnect with your body.

35. Acupuncture

A course of acupuncture treatment has been proven many times to significantly help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia. 

36. The Guaifenesin Protocol for fibromyalgia

It is a strict dietary restriction of salicylates and the use of guaifenesin, an expectorant medication. Some people say this cuts their fibromyalgia pain a lot. 

What’s your go-to strategy for managing fibromyalgia fatigue? Is it on the list? Share your tips in the comments and help others find relief!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I am not recommending any specific treatment. I have personally only tried some of these therapies. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on published research. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Different approaches work for different people, and what helps one person may not help another.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I think might be useful or interesting, but please do your own research before making a purchase. Thanks for supporting the site!

What helps you stay hopeful on tough days?

Lying in bed on a bad day. 

On tough days, I’ve found that hope doesn’t always come in big, dramatic moments—it often shows up quietly.

Sometimes it’s a message from a friend who just gets it. Or a walk outside where the air feels gentle and the sky reminds me that everything changes. Other times, it’s reading someone else’s story and realizing I’m not alone in this. Or understanding that there is a whole community of people out there who also live with chronic pain and try to support each other when they can. 

I’ve learned to look for small wins: getting out of bed, making a cup of tea, writing a few lines in my journal. Those tiny acts remind me that I’m still moving, still trying, still here.

Sitting on the verandah with a cup of tea on tough days can be a good achievement. 

And honestly, giving myself permission to rest—without guilt—has been one of the most hopeful things of all. It tells me I’m worthy of care, even when I’m not at my best. Someone said to me, "just give yourself grace for all you have lived through" and after so many years of chronic pain that really resonated with me. 

Also remembering that I have been through many flare ups of symptoms before and this too shall pass. 

Sometimes I need to talk and I reach out to the many helpful call lines where I live in Australia like Sane Mental Health or Lifeline. That helps me get my thoughts more in order and have contact with a non judgemental listener. 

What helps you stay hopeful? I’d love to hear. Please let me know in the comments. 

You might also like to read:

• Do you allow yourself to ask for support?
• Self care strategies that help me manage pain
• Natural treatments for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Self-Care Strategies That Help Me Manage Pain

Why You Should Read This: I've learned eight life-changing strategies. Here are the most effective ways to manage the pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia.

Living with fibromyalgia has taught me to listen to my body in ways I never expected. Pain isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, relational, and deeply personal. Over time, I’ve gathered a toolkit of self-care strategies that help me feel more grounded, less overwhelmed, and more in control of my day. These aren’t cures, and they don’t erase the hard days, but they help me move through them with a little more grace.

If you’re navigating fibromyalgia too, I hope something here resonates with you.

1. Pacing Over Pushing

I used to push myself through pain, thinking I had to keep up or prove something. Now I pace. I break tasks into smaller steps, rest before I crash, and let go of guilt when I need to pause. 

TIP: use timers and visual checklists to stay on track without burning out. It’s not laziness — it’s wisdom.

2. Gentle Movement That Feels Safe

Some days, even stretching feels impossible. But when I can, gentle movement helps loosen the stiffness and calm my nervous system. I’ve found comfort in slow walks, restorative yoga, and even just swaying to music in my kitchen. I keep a “flare day movement menu” — short, low-impact options that feel doable when everything hurts. 

TIP: start stretching each morning while lying in bed. The mattress and pillow supports you and you can do slow and small movements like turning your head from side to side to reduce neck pain etc.

3. Protecting My Sleep

Sleep is sacred, and fibromyalgia makes it elusive. I’ve created a bedtime routine that helps: no screens after 9pm, herbal tea, magnesium, and painkillers if needed. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.

TIP: The temperature of your room really matters. Work out what is right for you in each season. 

4. Calming My Nervous System

Mind-body practices have been a lifeline. I use guided meditations (especially ones made for chronic pain), breathwork, and journaling to help me process the emotional weight of living with fibromyalgia. Even two minutes of deep breathing can shift my pain response. I remind myself: my body is not the enemy — it’s asking for care.

TIP: Find an app or a Youtube video you like and listen to it for guided meditations or breathwork. 

5. Nourishing Myself Without Pressure

Food can be complicated, especially when energy is low and sensitivities are high. I aim for anti-inflammatory meals when I can — leafy greens, berries, omega-3s — but I also give myself grace. Hydration helps, and I keep easy snacks nearby for days when cooking feels impossible.

TIP: Greek yoghurt, nuts and fruit is a great easy go to meal on high pain days. 

6. Tracking What Hurts (and What Helps)

I keep a simple pain journal to notice patterns. Weather changes, stress, certain foods — they all play a role. Tracking helps me feel less confused and more empowered. It also gives me language to advocate for myself with doctors and loved ones.

TIP: Do this in your calendar so you know where it is. 

7. Finding My People

Fibromyalgia can feel isolating, but connection is medicine. I’ve found comfort in online communities, support groups, and honest conversations with people who get it. Sharing my story — and hearing others — reminds me I’m not alone. We’re all figuring this out together.

8. Setting Boundaries That Protect Me

This one’s been hard, but life-changing. I’ve learned to say no without apology, to ask for accommodations, and to protect my energy like it’s sacred. Scripts help. My favorite: “I’d love to, but I need to rest today.” Boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges to safer, more honest relationships.

TIP: Don't say yes to every request, say "I'll check my diary and get back to you".

 Key Takeaways that help me manage pain for Quick Reference

Category	The Takeaway	Actionable Strategy
Pacing & Energy	Pace, don't push. Viewing rest not as failure, but as an essential, proactive strategy to prevent a crash.	Use timers and visual checklists to break down tasks and rest before you hit your limit.
Physical Relief	Movement should be gentle and supported. On difficult days, low-impact motion is medicine for stiffness and the nervous system.	Start with slow, small movements while still lying in bed (like turning your head side-to-side) for safe relief.
Mind & Body	Calm your nervous system first. Two minutes of intentional breathing or meditation can shift your brain's pain response.	Always have a go-to app or YouTube video for quick, guided breathing or meditation.
Boundaries & Support	Boundaries are bridges, not walls. Protecting your energy is a non-negotiable part of self-care.	Adopt a delay tactic like, "I'll check my diary and get back to you," instead of immediately saying yes to requests.

Final Thoughts

Fibromyalgia asks us to live gently, intentionally, and with deep self-compassion. These strategies help me feel more like myself — even on the hard days. If you’re reading this, I hope you know: your pain is real, your needs are valid, and you deserve care that honors your whole self.

If you’ve found a self-care practice that helps, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep building a toolkit to manage Fibromyalgia.

You might also like to read:

• Do you allow yourself to ask for support?
• The influence of weather on fibro - a survey
• Natural treatments for fibromyalgia