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 Symptoms in London
What are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia?
1. Widespread pain and tenderness
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Persistent pain across different areas of the body is the main feature of fibromyalgia. It may affect the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs, and the location or intensity can change over time. People describe the pain in different ways. It may feel like a deep ache, burning, soreness or sharp discomfort. Some also find that gentle pressure or touch feels unusually painful.
This sensitivity can make everyday experiences, such as wearing certain clothes, having a massage or lying in one position for too long, uncomfortable.
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2. Fatigue and low energy
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Fibromyalgia-related fatigue can feel very different from ordinary tiredness. You may wake up feeling as though you have not rested, struggle to concentrate during the day or find that routine tasks take more effort than they used to.
It can affect work, social plans, household responsibilities and the ability to make time for activities you enjoy. Some people find it difficult to explain the extent of their fatigue to others, particularly when they appear well.
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3. Poor or unrefreshing sleep
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Difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently or feeling unrefreshed in the morning can occur with fibromyalgia. Poor sleep may also make pain and fatigue more difficult to manage. This can become frustrating when you feel exhausted but still struggle to get a restorative night's sleep. Sleep difficulties are worth discussing with your GP, particularly if you also experience symptoms such as loud snoring or waking up gasping.
4. Fibro-fog and concentration difficulties
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The term fibro-fog is commonly used to describe cognitive difficulties associated with fibromyalgia. You might lose your train of thought, struggle to find the right word, forget what you were doing or find it harder to concentrate on a conversation.
These experiences can be particularly challenging at work or when managing several tasks. If concentration or memory problems are new, sudden or significantly changing, seek medical advice rather than automatically attributing them to fibromyalgia.
5. Headaches and facial or jaw pain
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Some people with fibromyalgia also experience migraines, tension-type headaches or temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which can cause pain around the jaw, face, temples and ears. Jaw clicking, tenderness or discomfort when chewing may also occur with TMD. These symptoms can have several causes, so a suitable assessment is important rather than assuming that every headache or jaw problem is part of fibromyalgia.
6. Digestive symptoms
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly associated with fibromyalgia. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea.Digestive symptoms can add another layer of difficulty when you are already managing pain and fatigue. Persistent or changing bowel symptoms should be discussed with your GP, especially if you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss or other concerning changes.
7. Stiffness, tingling and sensitivity
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You may notice stiffness after sitting or lying in one position, or feel particularly uncomfortable when you first get up in the morning. Some people also report tingling, prickling or burning sensations in their hands and feet.
These symptoms are not specific to fibromyalgia. If they are new, persistent or worsening, a healthcare professional can help determine whether further investigation is needed.
What are the causes of fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood. Research suggests that changes in how the central nervous system processes pain signals may be involved. Symptoms sometimes begin after an illness, injury or period of significant stress, but for some people there is no obvious trigger.
Dr Raymond Perrin, an osteopath (his doctorate is a research degree, not a medical qualification), has proposed a model involving the autonomic nervous system and neuro-lymphatic drainage. This is a proposed explanation, not an established cause.
How do I find out whether the Perrin Technique is suitable for me?
The best starting point is to discuss your own circumstances. Your symptoms, medical history, existing care and treatment preferences all matter when considering whether the approach may be appropriate.
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You can read more about fibromyalgia treatment in London on our main page or contact Rakhee's clinic to ask about an initial consultation.