Specialists in trauma healing & recovery | T: 0118 978 6149 | reception@rdphysio.com
Fibromyalgia Treatment & Mind-body Therapy
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue throughout the body. Unlike arthritis, fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles, or bones. Instead, research now shows it is a disorder of the nervous and immune systems, leading to heightened pain sensitivity – where even gentle touch can feel painful.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia often develops from a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. While it can run in families, it is the predisposition – not inevitability – that matters. Life experiences and environmental stressors can “switch on” certain genes linked to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics & Epigenetics: Family history plays a role, but genes can be influenced by life experiences such as early trauma, birth stress, emotional distress, or immune system imbalances. These factors can alter gene expression, increasing vulnerability to fibromyalgia.
- Triggering Events: Physical trauma (such as an accident or surgery), infections, or emotional stress can trigger symptoms.
- Nervous System Dysregulation: Changes in how the autonomic nervous system and pain receptors process stimuli can cause over-sensitisation to pain. Addressing this nervous system imbalance is central to lasting recovery.
Working with Rodger Duckworth, who uses advanced mind-body therapies like Somatic Experiencing® and NeuroAffective Touch®, can help restore nervous system balance and support long-term healing.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia symptoms vary from person to person and may fluctuate in severity. The hallmark symptom is persistent, widespread pain, but it is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues.
Main symptoms include:
- Widespread Pain: A dull, aching pain lasting for at least three months on both sides of the body.
- Chronic Fatigue: Feeling exhausted even after rest or sleep.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often waking unrefreshed.
- “Fibro Fog”: Problems with focus, memory, and concentration.
- Headaches & Migraines: Common and often linked to muscle tension.
- Digestive Issues (IBS): Bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.
- Mood Disturbances: Anxiety and depression related to chronic pain.
- Other Symptoms: Muscle stiffness, tingling in hands or feet, temperature sensitivity, and painful menstrual periods.
How mind-body therapies at The Grange can help with Fibromyalgia
After decades of experience, I have found that mind-body therapy offers some of the most effective treatments for fibromyalgia. This holistic approach targets the core imbalance in the nervous and immune systems, helping to calm the body, reduce pain, and restore emotional and physical resilience.
Effective Mind-Body Approaches
- Somatic Experiencing® and Somatic Movement:
These therapies help process and release stored trauma, reduce stress responses, and reconnect the body and mind in healing. - Mindfulness and Meditation:
Learning to observe sensations without judgment helps “desensitize” pain pathways, calm the nervous system, and improve emotional regulation. Mindfulness also supports immune system balance. - Biofeedback Therapy:
Using sensors, clients learn to control physiological responses such as muscle tension or heart rate, reducing pain and increasing relaxation. - Gentle Movement Therapies (Yoga & Tai Chi):
Combining movement with focused breathing and meditation enhances flexibility, reduces fatigue, and promotes emotional calm. With a background in martial arts, I integrate these practices into tailored treatment plans.
Take control of your healing journey
Mind-body therapy empowers you to actively participate in your recovery. By treating the emotional, neurological, and physiological roots of fibromyalgia, you can move from constant pain and exhaustion to resilience, balance, and well-being.
If you’re ready to start healing from fibromyalgia, contact Rodger Duckworth today to discuss how personalised mind-body therapy can help you reclaim ypur health journey.