Fibromyalgia Pain? 6 Natural & Complementary Treatments That May Help

by Dr. Jen Caudle

If you're living with fibromyalgia, you already know it’s more than just pain. It's the fatigue, the brain fog, the tender spots, and the frustration that comes with feeling like your body just won’t cooperate. Can I get an "amen?"

While medications often help, studies show that a multifactorial approach to fibromyalgia pain often works best. What does this mean? It means incorporating natural and complementary therapies into your routine! So, let’s explore some ways to feel better, reduce pain, and regain a sense of control.

🧘‍♀️ 1. Acupuncture

Yes, those tiny needles might actually make a big difference! Acupuncture has been used for centuries to relieve pain by stimulating specific points on the body. Some fibromyalgia patients report less pain, better sleep, and a greater sense of calm after just a few sessions.

Pro tip: Look for a licensed acupuncturist who has experience with chronic pain conditions.

Monitor your Fibromyalgia Symptoms with this easy-to-use Fibro pain & symptom tracker. Click image for more info!

💆‍♂️ 2. Massage Therapy

Who doesn’t love a good massage? For people with fibromyalgia, massage isn’t just relaxing—it can help ease muscle tension, and even lower stress levels.

Just a heads-up: Gentle techniques may work best, since deep tissue massage may be too intense for sensitive muscles.

🧘‍♂️ 3. Yoga or Tai Chi

Slow movement, gentle stretching, and deep breathing? Yes, please. Both yoga and tai chi have been shown to reduce pain and fatigue, improve flexibility, and even lift your mood.

The bonus? You’ll also sleep better, and many people with fibromyalgia struggle with sleep.

🧠 4. Mindfulness & Meditation

Stress can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse, which is why mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools. Just a few minutes of quiet breathing or guided meditation each day can help calm your nervous system and make pain feel more manageable.

Start small: Even five minutes a day can make a difference.

🏃‍♀️ 5. Exercise (Yes, Really!)

When you're in pain or exhausted, the last thing you probably feel like doing is working out. But here’s the thing—gentle, regular movement can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms over time. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, stretching, or using an elliptical can:

• Loosen stiff muscles

• Boost your energy

• Improve sleep

• Ease anxiety and depression

Start slow: Even 5–10 minutes a day can make a difference. It’s not about pushing through pain—it’s about moving in a way that feels good for your body.

💬 6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This is a type of talk therapy that teaches you how to shift negative thought patterns and manage stress. CBT has been shown to help people with fibromyalgia cope with pain, anxiety, and sleep issues.

Think of it as mental training for living well with chronic pain.

💡 The Bottom Line:

There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for fibromyalgia and everyone responds to different treatments differently—but with the right mix of conventional and complementary treatments, you can feel better and live more fully.

Monitor your fibro symptoms so you're aware of what you're feeling (check out this fibro tracker). Always chat with your doctor before trying something new, especially if you're taking medication or have other health conditions, and check out my Fibromyalgia YouTube Playlist for more information about fibromyalgia.

PS- I forgot to mention the role of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in treating fibromyalgia. Check out this demonstration, as it could be helpful!

You don’t have to do it all at once—start small, listen to your body, and remember: you deserve to feel better.

Dr. Jen Caudle is a board-certified Family Physician, Associate Professor at Rowan University,  tv health expert, and video creator. I invite you to subscribe to my Meditation Channel on YouTube.  Also, follow me on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Also sign up for my free health newsletter at www.drjencaudle.com.