Fibromyalgia Treatment in Melbourne: What Patients Should Know
If you've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia—or you suspect you might have it—you probably already know how isolating and frustrating this condition can be. The widespread pain, the exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest, the feeling that no one quite understands what you're going through.
You're not imagining it. Fibromyalgia is real, it's complex, and it deserves to be taken seriously.
The good news is that while fibromyalgia can't be "cured" in the traditional sense, it absolutely can be managed. With the right combination of treatments and support, many people with fibromyalgia find significant relief and are able to reclaim their quality of life.
Let's walk through what fibromyalgia is, how it's diagnosed, and what treatment options are available here in Melbourne to help you feel better.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, along with a range of other symptoms. It's sometimes called a "pain amplification syndrome" because people with fibromyalgia experience pain more intensely than others—their nervous system essentially turns up the volume on pain signals.
Common symptoms include:
Widespread muscle pain and tenderness (often described as aching or burning)
Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Sleep problems, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
Brain fog (trouble concentrating, memory issues, mental fatigue)
Headaches or migraines
Sensitivity to touch, light, sound, or temperature
Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Mood changes, including anxiety or depression
Fibromyalgia affects everyone differently. Some people have mostly pain, others struggle more with fatigue or cognitive symptoms. The severity can also fluctuate—some days are better than others, and stress or illness can trigger flare-ups.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Honestly, we don't fully understand what causes fibromyalgia. But research has given us some important clues.
It's thought to involve changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. People with fibromyalgia may have:
Heightened sensitivity to pain (a lower pain threshold)
Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
Changes in how the nervous system regulates pain and stress responses
Fibromyalgia often develops after a triggering event, such as:
Physical trauma (like a car accident or surgery)
Infection or illness
Significant emotional stress
Other chronic pain conditions
But it can also develop gradually over time without any obvious cause.
One thing we do know: fibromyalgia is not "all in your head." It's a legitimate medical condition with biological underpinnings, and it deserves real treatment and compassion.
How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be tricky because there's no single test for it. Instead, doctors rely on your symptoms, medical history, and ruling out other conditions that can cause similar problems.
Your doctor will typically:
Ask about your pain: where it is, how long you've had it, and whether it's widespread
Review other symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties
Perform a physical examination
Order blood tests or imaging to rule out conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or thyroid disorders
According to current diagnostic criteria, fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed when you have:
Widespread pain lasting at least three months
Pain in multiple areas of the body
Other symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, or cognitive issues
No other condition that better explains the symptoms
Getting a diagnosis can take time, and it's not uncommon for people to see multiple doctors before fibromyalgia is identified. If you're in that position right now, know that you're not alone—and that finding the right specialist who understands fibromyalgia can make all the difference.
How Do Pain Physicians Treat Fibromyalgia?
Here's the thing about fibromyalgia: it's not a one-treatment condition. Because it affects so many different systems in the body, the most effective approach is usually a combination of therapies tailored to your specific symptoms.
Pain physicians who specialize in fibromyalgia take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Let's break down the main treatment options.
Medications
While there's no single drug that "cures" fibromyalgia, certain medications can help manage symptoms.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with mild pain. For some people, prescription pain medications may be needed, though opioids are generally not recommended for fibromyalgia.
Medications for nerve pain: Drugs like pregabalin and gabapentin, which are typically used for nerve pain, can help reduce pain signals in fibromyalgia.
Antidepressants: Low doses of certain antidepressants (like duloxetine or amitriptyline) can help with both pain and sleep. They work by affecting neurotransmitters involved in pain processing.
Sleep medications: Since poor sleep can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms, medications to improve sleep quality are sometimes prescribed.
Your pain physician will work with you to find the right medication or combination that provides relief with the fewest side effects.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
This might sound counterintuitive—exercise when you're exhausted and in pain? But research consistently shows that gentle, regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia.
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga can:
Reduce pain and stiffness
Improve energy levels
Enhance mood and sleep
Build strength and flexibility
The key is starting slowly and gradually increasing activity. A physiotherapist who understands fibromyalgia can create a program that's gentle enough to avoid flare-ups but effective enough to make a difference.
Psychological Support and Pain Management Strategies
Living with chronic pain takes a toll on mental health, and stress can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. That's why psychological support is an important part of treatment.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps you develop coping strategies, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and manage the emotional impact of chronic pain.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the nervous system and reduce pain.
Stress management: Learning to identify and manage stress triggers can prevent flare-ups and improve overall wellbeing.
Many pain clinics, including Metro Pain Group, work with psychologists or pain coaches who specialize in chronic pain conditions.
Interventional Treatments
For some patients with fibromyalgia, interventional procedures can provide additional relief—especially when pain is concentrated in specific areas.
Trigger point injections: If you have specific tender points or muscle knots, injections of local anaesthetic or saline can help release tension and reduce pain.
Nerve blocks: These can help if certain nerves are contributing to your pain.
Newer therapies: Some pain clinics are exploring treatments like low-dose naltrexone or intravenous infusions for fibromyalgia, though research is still ongoing.
Your pain physician will assess whether these options are appropriate for your specific situation.
Sleep Hygiene and Lifestyle Changes
Good sleep is crucial for managing fibromyalgia, yet sleep problems are one of the most common symptoms. Your treatment plan will likely include strategies to improve sleep quality:
Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
Creating a calm, comfortable sleep environment
Limiting caffeine and screen time before bed
Addressing sleep disorders like sleep apnea if present
Other lifestyle factors matter too. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, pacing your activities, and avoiding things that trigger flare-ups can all help you feel better day to day.
What Should You Expect from Treatment?
It's important to have realistic expectations. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, which means it's unlikely to disappear completely. But that doesn't mean you're stuck with severe symptoms forever.
Many people find that with the right treatment:
Pain levels decrease significantly
Energy and function improve
Sleep quality gets better
Flare-ups become less frequent and less severe
They're able to return to activities they enjoy
Treatment is often a process of trial and adjustment. What works for one person might not work for another, and it can take time to find the right combination of therapies. Patience and open communication with your pain physician are key.
Why Choose a Pain Specialist for Fibromyalgia?
You might be wondering whether you need to see a pain specialist, or if your GP can manage fibromyalgia.
Your GP is absolutely an important part of your care team. But pain specialists bring additional expertise and resources that can make a significant difference, especially if:
Your symptoms are severe or not improving with basic treatment
You need access to interventional procedures
You want a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
You're struggling to navigate the complexity of fibromyalgia on your own
Pain physicians who specialize in conditions like fibromyalgia understand the nuances of chronic pain. They're up to date on the latest research and treatments. And they're used to working with patients who've often been searching for answers for a long time.
Living Well with Fibromyalgia
One of the most important things to understand about fibromyalgia is that it's not just about treating the pain—it's about learning to live well despite it.
That means:
Pacing yourself: Breaking tasks into smaller chunks and taking regular breaks
Listening to your body: Recognizing when you need to rest and not pushing through severe pain
Building a support network: Connecting with others who understand what you're going through
Being kind to yourself: Letting go of guilt about what you can't do and celebrating what you can
Support groups, online communities, and patient education programs can all be valuable resources. You're not alone in this, and there are many people who've learned to manage fibromyalgia and still live full, meaningful lives.
The Importance of Finding the Right Doctor
If you've been dismissed by doctors, told your pain isn't real, or sent away without answers, please know that's not okay—and it's not your only option.
Finding a pain physician who truly understands fibromyalgia and treats you with respect can be transformative. The right doctor will:
Listen to your symptoms without judgment
Take your concerns seriously
Work with you to create a personalized treatment plan
Adjust your care based on what's working and what's not
Connect you with other specialists as needed
You deserve care from someone who believes you and is committed to helping you feel better.
We're Here to Help
At Metro Pain Group, we've spent over 30 years helping people across Melbourne manage complex chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia. We understand how challenging this condition can be, and we're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the whole picture—not just the pain.
Our multidisciplinary team includes experienced pain physicians, allied health professionals, and support staff who will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. We know that fibromyalgia affects every aspect of your life, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
If you're living with fibromyalgia and you're ready to explore what's possible, we'd be honored to be part of your care team.
Call us at (03) 7049 4468 or book online to schedule a consultation. We're located at Monash House Private Hospital in Clayton, and we're here to help you find relief and reclaim your life.
You don't have to keep struggling alone. Let's work together to help you feel better.
Metro Pain Group
Comprehensive fibromyalgia and chronic pain treatment in Melbourne
Monash House Private Hospital, Clayton