Muscle pain and myofascia

What is myofascial pain and how is it diagnosed? These questions will be answered here...

I started getting new, quite strong pain in my neck and up into my temple. I thought it might be the dreaded Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain) that I had heard about so I googled and found a most interesting article which described my pain exactly.

No it was not Trigeminal Neuralgia it was Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) of which I had never heard.

Anyway it convinced me to go to get myofascial treatment which I had heard can help fibro.

What is myofascia?

Myofascial treatment is a specific type of massage that releases the myofascial tissues. Myo means muscle and fascia means the connective tissue covering the muscles. These connective tissues become tight and painful and need to be released.

Myofascial pain is usually caused in specific tender points that need to be released. It is a constant, deep pain that I would describe as a tender muscle that is held tight. It makes me feel like my legs cannot relax and that I have clenched my muscles so much that they will not let go. I have learnt that it is in a part of my body that I had never heard of... the fascia. Also I learnt that there is a layer of fascia just under the skin and another layer deep in the muscles. 

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. The tissue does more than provide internal structure; fascia has nerves that make it almost as sensitive as skin. When stressed, it tightens up. ~ JOHN HOPKINS MEDICINE

My first Myofascial Massage

I have had my first treatment and have felt some easing of tension in my shoulders and no face pain this week I am pleased to say. I will keep you posted about future treatments. 

Honestly—it felt like my body exhaled for the first time in weeks.

It wasn’t the kind of massage that pushes through pain or forces release. It was slow, intentional, almost like the therapist was listening to my muscles with their hands. They found the taut bands and applied just enough pressure to coax them into softening.

At first, there was a kind of ache—deep and familiar, like the pain had been waiting to be acknowledged. But then something shifted. The pressure met the resistance, and instead of bracing against it, my body started to trust. I could feel the tension unraveling, like threads loosening in a tightly wound knot.

Afterward, I felt lighter—not cured, but clearer. My muscles weren’t shouting anymore. They were whispering. I could move without flinching. I could rest without feeling clenched. 

Myofascial technique in the lower leg.
Image thanks to StillpointTherapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

How is myofascial pain diagnosed?

The recognition of this syndrome requires a precise understanding of the body's trigger points. Trigger points can be identified by pain that results when pressure is applied to an area of the patient's body. In the diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome, four types of trigger points can be distinguished:

• An active trigger point is an area of extreme tenderness that usually lies within the skeletal muscle and which is associated with a local or regional pain.
• A latent trigger point is a dormant (inactive) area that has the potential to act like a trigger point.
• A secondary trigger point is a highly irritable spot in a muscle that can become active due to a trigger point and muscular overload in another muscle.
• A satellite myofascial point is a highly irritable spot in a muscle that becomes inactive because the muscle is in the region of another trigger pain. FROM CLEVELAND CLINIC

There is a book explaining the condition called Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survival Manual which you read my review of here 

Myofascial Trigger Points in chronic muscle pain: Causes and Treatment

Many people experience muscle pain at some point in their lives—but for those of us living with fibromyalgia, myositis, or other chronic conditions, this pain can become a daily companion. One often-overlooked contributor is myofascial trigger point pain—a localized, deep muscle tenderness that can radiate discomfort far beyond its origin.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight, sensitive knots in muscle tissue. They form after injury, overuse, poor posture, or emotional stress. These points can cause:

• Localized tenderness (the actual trigger point)

• Referred pain—aching that spreads to nearby or distant areas

• Muscle stiffness and rope-like bands

When this pain becomes persistent and worsens, it’s called Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).

“A trigger point in a muscle can cause strain and pain throughout the muscle. When this pain persists and worsens, doctors call it myofascial pain syndrome.” — Mayo Clinic

What This Means for People with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia and MPS share many features: muscle pain, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and sensitivity to touch. Some researchers believe that untreated myofascial pain may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia in certain individuals.

For those of us already living with fibromyalgia:

• You may be experiencing trigger point pain without realizing it.

• Understanding trigger points gives us language and tools to name the pain, locate its source, and begin to gently release it.

• Non-drug therapies like massage, yoga, heat therapy, and guided self-treatment aren’t just complementary—they’re often essential.

This knowledge isn’t just clinical—it’s personal. It’s a way to reclaim agency, soothe our bodies, and honor our experience.

Non-Pharmacological Therapies That Help

Here are some gentle, accessible approaches that have helped many people living with chronic pain:

• Ergonomic support: Choose chairs, mattresses, and postures that reduce strain.

• Massage & vibration therapy: Disperse lactic acid and improve circulation.

• Yoga & relaxation: Stretch muscles and calm the nervous system.

• Shiatsu & acupressure: Apply intentional pressure to release trigger points.

• Heat & cold therapy: Use packs, saunas, or whirlpools to modulate inflammation.

• Dry needling & electrical stimulation: Release deep muscle tension under supervision.

• Ultrasound & laser therapy: Break down scar tissue and improve healing.

• Chiropractic + CBT + aerobic exercise: Address both physical and emotional dimensions of pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can trigger points cause widespread pain like fibromyalgia? Yes. Multiple active trigger points can mimic the widespread pain seen in fibromyalgia and contribute to overall sensitization.

Q: Are these therapies safe to try at home? Many are, especially gentle stretching, heat packs, and guided self-massage. Always start slowly and listen to your body.

Q: Is this pain psychological? No. Myofascial pain and fibromyalgia are real, physical conditions. Your experience is valid.

Q: What if I feel overwhelmed by all the options? Start with one gentle therapy that feels manageable. Even small steps can offer relief and restore a sense of control.

Closing Reflection

If you live with chronic pain, you already know how exhausting it can be to explain, to endure, to adapt. This post is a reminder: your pain is real, your body is wise, and you deserve care that honors both.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore trigger point therapy or you’ve been navigating fibromyalgia for years, I hope this gives you a sense of possibility. Relief may not come all at once—but even one softened knot, one deep breath, one moment of ease is worth celebrating.

You are not alone in this.

The video, below, shows how to identify trigger points on yourself and shows how they radiate in your body to other areas. Dr Jonathan Kuttner, a pain specialist, discusses trigger point pain in this video. 

Personally I have found great success in relaxing my muscles and reducing pain and highly recommend this myofascial pain release.

SOURCES

• Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome - A Dilemma: H. C. Chandola and Arunangshu Chakraborty
• Mayo Clinic: Understanding myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Practical Pain Management: Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Myofascial Pain, Fibromyalgia or Fibrositis? Pearce J.M.S.

Groundbreaking study widens treatment options for fibromyalgia

Have you heard about fascia, myofascial release therapy and how it helps fibromyalgia?

If you have not then you need to read more here...

In 2011 a European study, including myofascial release treatments, found significant reduction in fibromyalgia pain even weeks after the treatments had finished. So, long lasting pain relief!

Effects of myofascial release techniques on pain, physical function, and postural stability in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. 

Eighty-six patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were enrolled in the study. 

Outcome measures were assessed before and immediately after, at six months and one year after the last session of the corresponding intervention.

RESULTS:

After 20 weeks of myofascial therapy, the group showed a significant improvement in painful tender points, McGill Pain Score, physical function, and clinical severity. 

At six months after the trial had finished, there was a significantly lower number of painful points, pain score, physical function and clinical severity. 

Myofascial release therapy is a combination of manual traction and prolonged assisted stretching manoeuvers to break up fascial adhesions.

Fascia could be the answer to a lot of questions
about structure, movement, stability, pain and healing. Deep Recovery

What Is Fascia?

In the broadest sense, fascia, is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle in your body. It is the area targeted in myofascial release therapy.

Why is muscle fascia important?

You could refer to fascia as the connection component of the body. Fascia is, after all, another way to refer to connective tissue. Fascia is the tissue that connects everything into one big interconnected whole. With this in mind then, you could imagine that tension or length experienced in the muscle is in a relationship with the tension or length in the fascia. Fascia is an important component of maintaining the tensional patterns of the body and can be a part of allowing or restricting movements.

 “Figuring out Fibromyalgia: Current science and the most effective treatments” is a book by Dr Ginevra Liptan, that helps us understand fascia in fibromyalgia muscle pain and therefore treatment of muscle pain.

So it seems, because of the scientific evidence in this book, treating the fascia will be the way forward in resolving fibromyalgia muscle pain.

Dr Liptan believes that fascia is the missing link in our understanding of fibromyalgia.  She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, and is board-certified in internal medicine. After developing fibromyalgia as a medical student, she spent many years using herself as a guinea pig in a search for effective treatments. She is one of the few clinical specialists in the world to focus solely on fibromyalgia, and directs The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia in Portland, Oregon. She also serves as medical advisor to the Fibromyalgia Information Foundation and is on the board for the non-profit Mastering Pain Institute.

She is the author of "The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor" and "Figuring out Fibromyalgia: Current Science and the Most Effective Treatments."

Practitioner doing myofascial release.

Other books by Dr Liptan

Myofascial Release Therapy has developed over many years from a combination of Rolfing, Yoga and Joint Mobilisation. More about Myofascial Release Therapy.

Find out more about fascia.

You can find a therapist who does myofascial release therapy HERE

LINKED UP At Fibro Friday No 259

Myofascial Pain Syndrome and fibromyalgia treatment

This short, 2-minute, video is about the Trigger point injections to treat chronic muscle pain. 

What do you think of this treatment option?
We would all love to hear from you if you have tried it.

Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain: Can Trigger Point Injections Help?

If you live with chronic muscle pain, you’re not alone — and you deserve treatment options that acknowledge the complexity of your experience. 

Understanding the Conditions

Trigger points are tight, sensitive bundles of muscle fibers that can develop after overuse or injury. They often cause referred pain — meaning the discomfort radiates beyond the original site. When this pain becomes chronic, it may evolve into Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).

Trigger points can be found in people with fibromyalgia but they can be found in anybody.

While fibromyalgia and MPS can overlap, they are distinct conditions:

• Fibromyalgia is a systemic pain disorder involving widespread sensitivity, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. It typically requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome arises from localized muscle dysfunction and responds well to manual therapies like ischemic compression and targeted stretching.

It’s possible to have both conditions simultaneously, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment — but also opens the door to more tailored care.

What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Trigger point injections involve inserting a small needle into the affected muscle knot and injecting a solution — often a local anesthetic, saline, or steroid — to relieve pain and restore function. This technique may help:

• Reduce localized muscle tension

• Interrupt pain signals

• Improve mobility and quality of life

Other non-pharmacologic treatments for trigger points include:

• Acupuncture

• Osteopathic manual therapy

• Massage and acupressure

• Dry needling

• Heat, ice, or ultrasound

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

• Spray-and-stretch techniques using ethyl chloride

Further Reading on the blog

You might also find these articles helpful:

• Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Book Review)

• Muscle pain and myofascia: what is it and how is it diagnosed?

• Myofascial Trigger Points in Chronic Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Trigger point injections aren’t a cure-all, but they may offer some relief. If you’ve tried this treatment — or are considering it — your insights could help others feel less alone in their journey.

Drop a comment below or share your experience. Your story matters.

Trigger Point Chart - A visual guide to common trigger point locations can help you identify patterns in your pain. 

RESOURCES

NIH Tender points/fibromyalgia vs. trigger points/myofascial pain syndrome
PubMed Trigger points and tender points

American Association of Family Physicians

LINKED UP AT FIBRO FRIDAY, where you can read fibromyalgia posts from great fibro bloggers.

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!

Where do they get their information about Fibromyalgia?

Don't you just love it when you read that your fibromyalgia can be cured with exercise, diet and relaxation? These articles must be written by people who do not have fibromyalgia or who had a mild dose, of something similar, for 3 months.

I especially love the websites that ask you to pay money to get the secret cure!
Sorry, enough of the sarcasm. 

The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA) states "While there is currently no cure for fibromyalgia, better ways to diagnose and treat the chronic pain disorder continue to be developed." Read more... 

Arthritis Australia says "Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia. While there are ways you can control your symptoms, you should be wary of any products or treatments that claim to cure fibromyalgia." Read more...

Of course there are a variety of things that can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia from pain management to sleep management to Complementary therapies and supplements including acupuncture, massage, movement therapies such as yoga, and dietary supplements such as calcium, vitamin D. 

There’s growing evidence that many complementary therapies and lifestyle supports can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms—especially when tailored to the individual. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence behind each approach you mentioned:

Movement Therapies (Yoga, Tai Chi, Exercise)

• Yoga and Tai Chi have shown benefits in reducing pain, improving sleep, and enhancing quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.

• A 2015 Cochrane review found that mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi may help relieve symptoms such as fatigue and stiffness.

• Gentle aerobic exercise is consistently recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia.

Massage Therapy

• A 2020 review found that massage and myofascial release yield small but meaningful improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain and function.

• Massage may help disperse lactic acid, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension—especially when performed by a trained practitioner.

Acupuncture

• A systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture can significantly reduce pain and improve sleep and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.

• Though results vary, acupuncture is considered a safe and potentially effective part of a multimodal treatment plan.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D supplementation may reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia who are deficient in this vitamin.

• Low vitamin D levels are common in chronic pain populations, and correcting deficiency may improve musculoskeletal symptoms.

Calcium

• While calcium itself isn’t a primary treatment for fibromyalgia, it plays a role in muscle function and nerve signaling. Deficiency may exacerbate symptoms like muscle cramps or fatigue.

• Calcium is often considered alongside magnesium and vitamin D in supportive nutritional protocols.

Sleep & Pain Management

• Sleep disturbances are central to fibromyalgia. Improving sleep hygiene, using CBT for insomnia, and addressing pain through gentle movement or medication can reduce symptom severity.

• Multimodal approaches—combining physical therapy, psychological support, and complementary therapies—are often most effective.

You can explore more in-depth findings from the NCCIH's clinical digest on fibromyalgia and Orthopedic Review's summary of acupuncture efficacy. These sources highlight how integrative care can offer meaningful relief, especially when conventional treatments fall short.

What have you tried that gives you some relief?

Trying new treatments for Fibromyalgia

I have decided to lay off the medications for a while and try what are sometimes called Complementary or Alternative Therapies.

These include:

• Ayurvedic medicine
• Homeopathy
• Naturopathy
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Magnet therapy
• Shiatsu
• Herbalism
• Meditation
• Aromatherapy
• Bach Flower Remedies
• Chromo therapy
• Diet therapy
• Hydropathy
• Reiki
• Yoga

First of all I am going to investigate the ancient Chinese system of Acupuncture in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at points along lines of energy called meridians. .Has anyone tried acupuncture for their fibromyalgia? I would love to hear from you.

I am trying acupuncture to reduce the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.

This is amazing information about Fibro and Acupuncture: A trial, conducted by the Mayo Clinic, found that acupuncture "provided significant improvements in a variety of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, with the effects of care often lasting several months". ACUPUNCTURETODAY

In this trial 50 patients who had tried other treatments for relief, without success, either had acupuncture or simulated acupuncture. They were not told which treatment they received. After 6 sessions they reported improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety and fatigue. I personally do not get anxiety but have decided to try acupuncture for my pain and fatigue. I will keep you posted.

I would love to know what alternative therapies you have tried. I have sometimes used homeopathy, magnets, meditation, diet, and my favourites myofascial massage and hydrotherapy.

I am trying alternative therapies to reduce the pain of fibromyalgia.

You might also like to read: Homeopathy for Fibromyalgia

ACCEPTING FIBROMYALGIA including my top tips for coping

Accepting your fibromyalgia diagnosis - this is half the battle - to understand and accept that fibromyalgia is the condition that is impacting your life. Once we accept the diagnosis, hopefully, we can work towards wellness. This is what happened for me.

Initially, I was diagnosed by my endocrinologist who I saw for thyroid issues. When I told him of my new symptoms and asked if they were related to my thyroid condition he said "No, you have fibromyalgia." He told me to find an exercise I enjoyed and sent me on my way. 

When you have been given a diagnosis like this with no extra support or information you are destined to be your own advocate. For ages, I did not accept the diagnosis and fought against it. I guess I really just did not believe that this thing called fibromyalgia could be causing all these painful symptoms. Finally, when I did accept it I began searching online for any help I could find. I learnt so many things about a condition that I had barely ever heard of. 

With Fibro, there is no magic tablet or treatment, and there probably never will be, but a combination of things that we have to do to help ourselves, some of which are diet, exercise, pacing, proper sleep, and stress reduction.

Being diagnosed, with fibromyalgia, can bring up so many emotions. Your feelings, whatever they are, are always valid. 

Finding someone to talk to is very helpful, especially if they are someone who understands chronic pain. It was so helpful for me when my rheumatologist referred me to a pain psychologist. It was so wonderful to finally be able to have someone who listened, understood, accepted my symptoms and feelings, and sometimes also gave me tips for coping. These were very practical tips about coping... like when you are driving, stop every hour and stand up and walk for 5 minutes because staying seated for too long can aggravate the pain. 

You have to be proactive in getting your symptoms addressed as fibro has a myriad of symptoms besides chronic pain. Having the support of any kind of medical professional is wonderful. 

I actually started this blog back when I was first diagnosed to try and help others in the same situation as me. I have spent the last 20 years discovering ways to help me cope with fibromyalgia. My approach is that every small thing I try can help reduce some of the symptoms and that is a win. I have tried so many things and while everybody is different I think it may be helpful to share what helps me:

• improving my quality of sleep
• magnesium in its many forms including baths
• gentle exercise
• pacing
• flaxseed
• vitamin D
• eating less gluten and dairy
• eating more vegetables
• hydrotherapy and hot water
• myofascial massage
• less stress in my life

Finding others who have fibro is also important for your sanity and to give you ideas to try and cope. That's why I started a private group on Facebook called FIBRO CONNECT. It has slowly grown to over 900 men and women all living with fibromyalgia and supporting one another.  You can join by answering 2 simple questions here on Facebook.

Gifts to give someone with chronic pain and what I want

I have been looking far and wide (on the internet) for great gift ideas for people who have chronic illness and chronic pain.  The ones that I have found can help bring comfort and relief from the aches and strains associated with many different illnesses.

As someone with chronic illness myself I know that my number one gift to receive is a massage certificate especially from a practitioner who knows about myofascial release techniques which always help my tight painful muscles. 

I wanted to see what others were recommending so I have researched quite a few different recommendations which I have linked to here. These lists include pillows, heated foot spas, body pillows, aromatherapy oils and diffusers, nerve-stimulating machines, kitchen gadgets, vitamins, humidifiers, heated blankets, first aid kits, ice packs and heated seat covers: 

• Top 10 Gift Ideas under $100 for Chronic Pain Patients by Living With Fibromyalgia
• 2017 Fibromyalgia Gift Guide from Fed Up With Fatigue
• Christmas Gift ideas for chronic pain from Brainless Blogger
• Top eight Christmas gifts for people suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic pain by Back Pain Blog 
• Gift Ideas for those with Chronic Pain at Fibro Fridays
• Top Christmas Gift Ideas for People with Chronic Pain at Pain Camp
• 10 Best Gifts for People with Chronic Pain at Community Pain Center
• Great gift ideas for a chronic pain sufferer from Pain Pathways Magazine
• 10 Gifts for the Person With Chronic Pain in Your Life at The Mighty
• Top 8 gifts for people with chronic pain from FibroMapp
• 9 Thoughtful Gifts For Someone With Chronic Pain at Prevention
• Video Reviews of Gift Ideas for Chronic Pain Patients by Living With Fibromyalgia
• Christmas Gift Ideas at In Spite of My Illness
• Christmas Gift Ideas For Spoonies at Living Creatively With Fibromyalgia

Many of these list suggestions are selling products on Amazon or elsewhere like relaxation CD's

or Adjustable Reading Portable Desk Helpers

I have made my own list which I hope you will find useful. They are in the infographic below. I am not selling anything in the list below as they are just the gift suggestions on my wish list.

Top Tips for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes muscle tenderness, and many other symptoms that can vary from person to person. There is no specific treatment for Fibromyalgia.

Many people want to know what is the best treatment for Fibromyalgia so they can manage their pain, fatigue, stiffness and fibro fog. I can only talk about what works for me and my own symptoms with fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

I have been experimenting, with myself, for over 10 years now and these things are the key to reducing my fibro symptoms.

Here are my top ten tips for coping with Fibromyalgia IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.
Please click on the links to get the full story on each topic:

1. Gentle exercise
2. Good sleep
3. A positive attitude
4. Trigger point therapy or myofascial release therapy
5. Heat
6. Massage
7. Healthy Diet
8. Hydrotherapy
9. Distraction and pacing (really 2 tips)
10. Support from others who understand

What else do you think works for YOUR fibromyalgia? I would love to read about it in the comments below.

See what 600 others think works for them.
This is what I wrote in 2011.

What's your key to reducing Fibro?

Other interesting articles:

• What works for me to help Fibromyalgia

• Practical Tips for Weather Sensitivity when living with Fibromyalgia

• Self-care strategies that help me manage pain