What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition with pain across the body, deep tiredness and sleep that does not refresh you. Some people also have trouble concentrating, which they call “brain fog”, and stiffness in the morning.
The pain is real. It is thought to come from a nervous system that turns up the volume on pain signals. The body then hurts even when joints and muscles look healthy on a scan.
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor makes the diagnosis, after other causes have been ruled out. There is no single blood test or scan for fibromyalgia, which is why it can take a long time to get an answer.
If you suspect fibromyalgia, speak with your doctor first. Our page on persistent pain explains the wider picture of long-term pain.
What does a hard week look like in Ipoh?
It looks like an ordinary week that costs too much. Cooking for the family, a walk through the morning market, minding the grandchildren or a long day at work can leave you sore and drained for the next two days.
Hot, humid weather and poor sleep can make the aches louder. The busy weeks before festivals, with cleaning, cooking and visitors, can bring a flare.
Others may say “but you look fine” or “you just need to exercise more”. That can be lonely. We start by believing you.
What do we check at the first visit?
We listen to your story first, and we go at your pace. We ask about your pain pattern, sleep, energy and what you can and cannot do.
- Where it hurts, and how the pain moves from day to day.
- Sleep, tiredness and mood.
- Strength, movement and fitness, tested gently.
- What triggers a flare, and what helps.
- Your daily routine, household tasks and work.
- What your doctor has diagnosed and advised so far.
If we find signs of a different problem, we tell you and help you see your doctor.
How does physiotherapy help?
The goal is a steady body that copes with your week. We build exercise slowly and pace your activity so a good day does not turn into a bad week.
A plan can follow these steps.
- Agree on goals in your words, such as playing with a grandchild or standing to cook.
- Start with a very gentle routine, well below your limit, such as short walks and easy stretching.
- Build slowly, adding a little time or effort only when the last level feels settled.
- Learn pacing, so you do a similar amount each day.
- Write a flare plan together, and review it as you change.
Recovery is not a straight line. Some weeks are harder than others, and we adjust the plan each visit. The glossary explains pacing in plain words.
What can I do this week?
These steps are small and kind to your body.
- Take a short walk at a time of day when you feel best, and stop before you tire.
- Break large jobs into short blocks, with a sit between.
- Keep the same bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
- Warm the sore areas with a warm towel or a warm shower.
- Choose one thing that gives you joy and keep it in your week.
If an exercise sets off a flare that lasts a few days, tell your physiotherapist, and we will adjust.
When should I see a doctor first?
See a doctor if the pain is new, severe or different from your usual, or if you have fever, a swollen joint, unexplained weight loss or a rash. Go to the emergency department if you have chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, or trouble breathing.
Tell your doctor if your mood has become very low or you feel unsafe. Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Fatimah Hospital and Pantai Hospital Ipoh can see you for these.
How do home sessions in Ipoh work?
A physiotherapist comes to your house, so you do not have to travel on a tiring day. We plan around your kitchen, your bed and your own routine, and a family member can sit in.
Visits are available across Ipoh now, and our Canning Garden centre is opening soon. Prices are quoted on WhatsApp after a short description. See how home physiotherapy works.