The Functional Medicine Approach to Fibromyalgia Relief
Clinically reviewed by Functional Medicine Doctor Dr. Indra Barathan.
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that causes musculoskeletal pain all over the body, fatigue, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. With symptoms like these it is no surprise that it can have debilitating consequences for those affected. And as of yet, there is no definitive cure for fibromyalgia and treatment mostly focuses on both symptom management and improving quality of life.
In a search for solutions that support people who are living from fibromyalgia, a recent study from 2021 highlights that a large proportion of people are exploring complementary healthcare options. And they report that these treatments come with positive effects, from an increase in quality of life to lower pain levels. This study also showed that the holistic approach that comes from the integration of alternative medicine into conventional treatment plans can provide opportunities for greater symptom relief.
Enter functional medicine – a personalised, systems-oriented approach that offers hope for those grappling with fibromyalgia’s debilitating effects. Functional medicine is one of the complementary options for those who are looking for holistic, personalised care to add to their existing treatment plan. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms, functional medicine’s personalised approach can provide lasting relief and also support patients to take charge of their health. So let's explore the benefits of functional medicine for fibromyalgia and how it can pave the way for improved health and wellbeing!
Understanding Fibromyalgia
It’s estimated that around 3.7 million people in the UK live with fibromyalgia, and it’s more common in women than men. The NHS reports that the condition can affect individuals of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 50. It has a significant impact on individuals' ability to work and overall quality of life with around 25-30% of people with fibromyalgia being work-disabled. Conventional medicine typically focuses on symptom management through pain medications and antidepressants, which potentially causes unwanted side effects. As a result, many fibromyalgia patients are looking for complementary options that give them a more holistic and personalised treatment option.
The Expert’s Insight on Functional Medicine for Fibromyalgia
Dr. Indra Barathan, a UK-based Functional Medicine Doctor who leads a multi-disciplinary team, shares: "Functional medicine offers fibromyalgia patients a holistic, tailored approach to address the underlying factors driving their symptoms. By focusing on the individual’s unique needs and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, we aim to provide lasting relief and empower patients to regain control over their health and quality of life.”
The Functional Medicine Approach
What makes functional medicine’s approach different is that it puts the emphasis on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms. For fibromyalgia patients, this means exploring underlying factors such as inflammation, gut health, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and stress. By taking a whole-body approach, functional medicine practitioners can develop personalised treatment plans that includes diet, supplementation and lifestyle advice that empowers patients to take control of their health and wellbeing.
The benefits of this approach may include:
Improved symptom management: Functional medicine's comprehensive approach addresses the complex nature of fibromyalgia, often leading to better symptom management and an improved quality of life.
Reduced reliance on medications: By targeting the root causes of fibromyalgia, functional medicine practitioners may help reduce dependence on prescription medications for pain relief or anti-depressants, this can help minimise unwanted side effects and improve overall health.
Optimised nutrition and supplementation: Personalised nutrition plans and targeted supplementation are key components of functional medicine treatment and may help lower inflammation and help with pain relief.
Stress reduction and mindfulness techniques: Mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, acupuncture and cognitive behavioural therapy may alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners often incorporate these stress-reducing techniques into their treatment plans to support overall wellbeing.
Exercise and movement therapies: Low-impact exercise and movement therapies, such as yoga and Qi Gong, may help improve pain, fatigue, and physical function for fibromyalgia patients. Functional medicine practitioners work closely with patients to develop exercise routines tailored to their unique needs and abilities.
Finding a Functional Medicine Practitioner for Fibromyalgia
If you're considering a functional medicine treatment programme for fibromyalgia, remember to research practitioners, ask them about their experience treating fibromyalgia, and come prepared with questions about the treatment process so you’re well-informed. And make sure your practitioner is certified and trained by recognised institutions such as the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
On Circe Health, you can book your treatment with qualified functional medicine practitioners who have expertise in treating fibromyalgia, easily online. All practitioners on Circe are certified, registered with a regulatory organisation and vetted by our team.
Sources:
ACR. The American College of Rheumatology. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia
Mindfulness-based interventions in fibromyalgia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31479478/
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Fibromyalgia. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7722066/
The Institute for Functional Medicine. https://www.ifm.org/
NHS, Fibromyalgia. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibromyalgia/
