Fibromyalgia is a very complex and severely debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often characterised by chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and muscle, joints, and soft tissue tenderness.
Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties (often referred to as fibro fog). Symptoms also include muscle stiffness, headaches, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The cause is not fully understood, but factors like genetic predisposition, stress, trauma, and abnormal pain processing in the brain and nervous system are believed to contribute.
Fibromyalgia isn’t classified as an autoimmune disease, joint or muscle disorder, or an inflammatory condition. Despite the often-severe pain experienced in fibromyalgia, there is no discernible evidence of physical tissue damage within the body. Instead, fibromyalgia is categorised as a nervous system disorder, where pain signals are transmitted and processed abnormally.
The exact mechanisms behind these symptoms are still a subject of ongoing research, however, someone with PTSD or C-PTSD might find the above list of fibromyalgia symptoms eerily familiar. This is because many of these other symptoms also closely mirror the physical and emotional responses observed in cases of trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD. It is helpful to note that the signs of Fibromyalgia often overlap with those of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
While the exact cause of Fibromyalgia is still unknown, there is enormous evidence to suggest that it is linked to psychosomatic factors, chronic stress, trauma, and the Fight-Flight-Freeze-Fawn (FFFF) response.
Psychosomatic factors refer to how psychological or emotional factors can influence physical health. This means conditions like Fibromyalgia may be linked to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Chronic stress is another factor that is linked to Fibromyalgia. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for the FFFF response. This response is designed to help us survive in dangerous situations by fighting, fleeing, freezing, or fawning in place. However, when stress is chronic, these hormones can harm our health, leading to conditions like Fibromyalgia.
Trauma is also a significant risk factor for Fibromyalgia. Traumatic events can cause changes in the way our brain processes pain signals, leading to increased sensitivity to pain. Additionally, trauma can trigger the FFFF response, releasing stress hormones and potentially causing long-term health problems. The FFFF response is a natural and essential part of our survival mechanism. However, chronic activation of this response can harm our health, including developing Fibromyalgia and many other psychosomatic disorders.
Recent research suggests that neuroplasticity-based interventions can be an effective treatment for Fibromyalgia in managing symptoms effectively that can lead to a reversal of Fibromyalgia. Therapy for Fibromyalgia can include Clinical Hypnotherapy and Trauma-informed Somatic Integration Therapy while complementing the modalities with Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy or Breathwork and Movement Therapy.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging, as no single test definitively confirms the condition. It is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with many other disorders. To diagnose fibromyalgia, healthcare providers use a process of elimination, ruling out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
A diagnosis is typically based on the following:
The Neuro-alignment Program‘s brain retraining techniques can be applied to Fibromyalgia by targeting neural pathways associated with pain perception. By using neuroplasticity principles, this program helps rewire the brain’s responses to pain, potentially leading to reduced symptoms and improved pain management.
Clinical Hypnotherapy for Fibromyalgia symptoms works by tapping into the mind’s potential to alleviate pain and discomfort. By focusing on positive outcomes and using guided relaxation techniques, this therapy helps enhance overall well-being, thought processes, and quality of life.
Trauma-informed Somatic Integration Therapy for managing symptoms of Fibromyalgia by recognizing the potential connection between trauma and chronic pain. This therapy focuses on releasing physical and emotional tension stored in the body, helping individuals manage Fibromyalgia symptoms, and addressing any underlying trauma-related issues.
Managing the pain and discomfort of Fibromyalgia with Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy alongside clinical therapies works by restoring rhythmic balance and supporting self-healing. In synergy with Clinical Hypnotherapy, Neuro-alignment Program, and Trauma-informed Somatic Therapy, it reduces pain, enhances resilience, and soothes and settles the nervous system.
Breathwork and Movement Therapy offer relief from Fibromyalgia symptoms by incorporating customised gentle movements and mindful breathing to integrate the mind and body. This approach complements brain retraining systems such as our Neuro-alignment Program, Trauma-informed Somatic Psychotherapy, and Clinical Hypnotherapy, which enhances blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, promotes relaxation, decreases pain sensitivity, regulates the nervous system, and improves physical flexibility.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues. Doctors have not yet been able to pinpoint a single main cause, but ongoing research highlights the role of a dysregulated nervous system. Chronic fight-or-flight responses triggered by emotional trauma and prolonged stress are believed to contribute significantly to the development of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is closely associated with dysregulation in the nervous system, where heightened sensitivity amplifies pain responses even without clear physical causes. This dysregulation can affect both physical and emotional well-being.
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new pathways, plays a central role in fibromyalgia therapy. The Neuro-alignment Program, a neuroplasticity brain retraining approach, is designed for clients currently experiencing flare-ups or managing severe pain and discomfort. This system works by helping to rewire the nervous system, reducing hypersensitivity to pain and fostering healthier stress responses, ultimately aiding in symptom management and recovery. Once flare-ups have been desensitized or effectively managed, clients may explore alternative subsequent therapy sessions to further enhance their well-being, focusing on long-term healing, prevention, and improving overall resilience.
Your first session will be a talk therapy session, where we will explore the root causes of your fibromyalgia, including your past experiences, present resources, lifestyle, and specific triggers. Based on this conversation, we’ll tailor an approach to suit your needs. Depending on your level of discomfort, urgency, and the severity of your current experience, options may include the Neuro-Alignment Program for severe flare-ups or an integrated therapy approach, combining trauma-sensitive psychotherapy with clinical hypnotherapy or trauma-informed somatic therapy. As part of your treatment, biodynamic craniosacral therapy may also be incorporated to support the release of tension and balance the nervous system. Guided breathwork and movement may also be introduced at certain stages to help you reconnect with your body and empower you to take agency over your own well-being. You will have the opportunity to choose the approach that best aligns with your current needs and comfort level. This inclusive, all-rounded approach is designed to meet your unique needs, recognizing that different modalities work for different people—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This initial session sets the foundation for a personalized and supportive treatment plan moving forward.
Integrating psychological therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and somatic therapy addresses all the cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of fibromyalgia. Psychotherapy helps explore thought processes that may hinder well-being or trigger the nervous system response, allowing for healthier coping strategies and stress management. Clinical hypnotherapy induces deep relaxation and re-narrates the mind’s perception of pain from a subconscious level, helping to shift pain-related patterns. Somatic therapy focuses on reconnecting with the body, processing stored tension, suppressed emotions, and underlying trauma. Together, these approaches create a holistic therapy journey that promotes long-term healing by addressing the mind-body connection, providing a comprehensive path to managing and alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.
Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic framework for fibromyalgia within the medical community, meaning there is no standardized cure. However, it is safe to say that for many, addressing the underlying causes of a dysregulated nervous system can lead to remission, and in some cases, potentially full remission. Appropriate integrated, trauma-sensitive therapy can significantly improve your quality of life by helping you manage symptoms, reduce pain and discomfort, and address the cognitive, physical, and emotional aspects of the condition.
For more information on our holistic treatments for Fibromyalgia in Singapore, please WhatsApp us at (65) 89422211 or email us at [email protected]
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Sol Therapy
The Riverside Piazza
11 Keng Cheow Street,
#02-03 Singapore 059608
(65) 8942 2211 .
[email protected]