Mind-body pain management for fibromyalgia

Discover alternative therapies for fibromyalgia pain.

A woman relaxes with hot stones on her back as she enjoys massage therapy for fibromyalgia, an alternative therapy for pain.

When it comes to fibromyalgia pain, your mind can either work for you or against you. Some people with fibromyalgia and other types of chronic pain experience high anxiety and stress and may even catastrophize their pain, or assume the worst-case scenario. And that makes coping with fibromyalgia very difficult. But you may achieve some level of fibromyalgia pain management using these simple mind-body strategies.  

Laughter therapy and music therapy for fibromyalgia 

Research suggests that laughter can seriously subdue chronic pain. And while more studies of alternative therapies for fibromyalgia are needed, it's clear that, at the very least, tickling your funny bone can take your mind off of pain and other fibro symptoms. So, seek out the laughs in all that you do—whether it's the movies you watch or the company you keep.  

An interesting, engrossing hobby can take your mind off your fibro symptoms, as well. Same goes for powerful, calming music. In fact, some research has shown that music therapy may decrease fibromyalgia pain. 

Massage therapy for fibromyalgia 

Do-it-yourself massage techniques may not only help alleviate your fibro pain but also put you in a better frame of mind. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for instructions on how to use Styrofoam rollers, tennis balls or other do-it-yourself massage therapy tools. 

Talk therapy for fibromyalgia 

Group therapy or one-on-one fibromyalgia counseling can help you view your situation in a more positive way and help you feel more empowered to handle your fibromyalgia symptoms.

More On

Is Fibromyalgia Genetic?

video

Is Fibromyalgia Genetic?
Fibromyalgia remains a mysterious disease. In this video, family medicine specialist Dr. Jennifer Caudle explains what researchers think about about w...
Best types of yoga for fibromyalgia

article

Best types of yoga for fibromyalgia
The best way to get relief from the chronic pain of fibromyalgia is to try a variety of approaches. One to put at the top of your list is yoga.
What causes fibromyalgia pain—and how can it be treated?

slideshow

What causes fibromyalgia pain—and how can it be treated?
Learn about what may contribute to discomfort, plus potential avenues for helping to manage the condition.
How Can I Tell If My Fibromyalgia Treatment Is Right?

video

How Can I Tell If My Fibromyalgia Treatment Is Right?
You will know if your fibromyalgia treatment is working based on how often you have symptoms, how severe symptoms are, and how much it affects your li...
What Causes Fibromyalgia?

video

What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia currently has no single cause, but experts know that there is something going on in the central nervous system that causes an individual ...