Rakhee Mediratta
Osteopathy
Central & West London ~ Chalfont
Rakhee has helped over 5,000+ patients in 19 years
Registered Osteopath & Advanced Licensed Perrin Technique Practitioner in London & South East England
for Chronic Fatigue/ME & Fibromyalgia using The Perrin Technique
Fibromyalgia and Related Conditions London
Understanding the Overlap
This page is general information about conditions that can occur alongside fibromyalgia. Including a condition here does not mean osteopathy or the Perrin Technique treats it.
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Fibromyalgia rarely feels like just one symptom. Alongside widespread pain, you may experience fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, digestive problems or difficulties with concentration. Some people also live with other diagnosed conditions, which can make it harder to understand what is causing each symptom.
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Recognising these overlaps is useful, but it is important not to assume that every new problem is automatically part of fibromyalgia. Different conditions can occur together, and some require their own assessment and treatment.
At Rakhee Mediratta Osteopathy, understanding the wider picture is an important part of discussing whether the Perrin Technique may be appropriate for someone living with fibromyalgia.
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Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), shares some symptoms with fibromyalgia. These can include fatigue, disrupted sleep, pain and difficulties with concentration. However, they are not interchangeable diagnoses. Widespread pain is a defining feature of fibromyalgia, while ME/CFS is particularly associated with post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM describes a worsening of symptoms after physical, mental or emotional exertion, which may be delayed and can last beyond the activity itself. Some people are diagnosed with both conditions. If you experience significant fatigue alongside widespread pain, it is important to explain the full pattern of your symptoms to your GP, including what happens after activity.
Rakhee uses the Perrin Technique as part of osteopathic care for people with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a digestive condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. It is commonly reported by people with fibromyalgia.
Managing digestive symptoms alongside persistent pain and fatigue can be frustrating, especially when symptoms affect eating, work or social plans. It may help to keep a simple record of your digestive symptoms and discuss them with your GP.
IBS should not be assumed to explain every digestive complaint. Blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent new symptoms or other concerning changes warrant medical assessment.
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Fibromyalgia and migraines or headaches
Headaches and migraines can occur alongside fibromyalgia. Some people experience recurring headaches, while others notice pain around the neck, shoulders, temples or face.
There are several possible causes of headaches, and the appropriate support depends on the pattern and associated symptoms. A healthcare professional can help distinguish between migraine, tension-type headache, jaw-related pain and other causes.
A sudden, extremely severe headache or a headache accompanied by new neurological symptoms requires urgent medical assessment.
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Fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw to the skull. Problems affecting these joints and the surrounding muscles may cause jaw pain, facial discomfort, clicking, difficulty opening the mouth or pain when chewing.
TMD can coexist with fibromyalgia, but jaw symptoms do not necessarily have the same cause as widespread body pain. A dentist or other appropriately qualified clinician can help assess jaw-related problems and advise on suitable care.
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Fibromyalgia, anxiety and low mood
Living with ongoing pain, fatigue and disrupted sleep can affect emotional wellbeing. You may feel frustrated by the limitations symptoms place on your life, worried about the future or low because activities you once enjoyed have become difficult.
Anxiety and depression can also occur alongside fibromyalgia. Recognising this does not mean the physical symptoms are imagined or that emotional factors explain everything. Pain and wellbeing can influence one another, and both deserve attention.
If your mood is affecting your daily life, speak with your GP about the support available. Psychological support may be one part of a broader care plan, alongside other appropriate approaches.
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Fibromyalgia and sleep problems
Sleep difficulties are common in fibromyalgia. You might struggle to fall asleep, wake repeatedly during the night or still feel exhausted in the morning.
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Poor sleep can make pain and fatigue harder to manage, creating a difficult cycle. However, not every sleep problem has the same cause. Conditions such as sleep apnoea may also need investigation, particularly if you snore heavily, wake gasping or experience marked daytime sleepiness.
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Discuss ongoing sleep difficulties with your GP so that possible causes and suitable management options can be considered.
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Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions
Fibromyalgia can occur alongside other conditions that cause pain, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are different, and it is possible for more than one to be present.
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For example, joint pain and stiffness may be associated with an inflammatory or degenerative joint condition, while fibromyalgia can involve widespread pain and increased sensitivity. The symptoms can overlap, which is one reason a proper medical assessment matters.
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A diagnosis of fibromyalgia should not prevent further investigation when symptoms change or suggest another problem.
Why the wider picture matters when considering treatment
When someone has several symptoms or diagnoses, it can be tempting to look for one explanation that accounts for everything. In practice, it is often more useful to understand how the different issues affect the person and which require separate attention.
The Perrin Technique is a specialised osteopathic approach developed by Dr Raymond Perrin. Its underlying model proposes a relationship between the autonomic nervous system and neuro-lymphatic drainage. The approach uses assessment and hands-on techniques, with recommendations adapted to the individual's presentation.
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At Rakhee Mediratta Osteopathy, the aim of an initial consultation is to understand your symptoms and relevant medical history, consider your current care and discuss whether the approach may be suitable. It does not replace a GP's assessment or the management of other diagnosed conditions.
Getting The Right Support
If you live with fibromyalgia and suspect that another condition may also be affecting you, start by discussing your symptoms with your GP. Understanding what is happening is an important step towards choosing appropriate care.
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To learn more about Rakhee's approach, visit our main page on fibromyalgia treatment in London. You may also find our guide to fibromyalgia symptoms and our fibromyalgia questions and answers page helpful.