Tag: fibromyalgia diagnosis

1. What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, often occurring despite normal blood tests and imaging. Symptoms may fluctuate and commonly affect multiple body regions at once. Daily function, concentration, and energy levels can be significantly impacted.

2. Why This Condition Often Causes Ongoing Problems

Fibromyalgia does not cause visible inflammation or structural damage on routine tests. Symptoms are thought to relate to altered pain processing, nervous system sensitivity, sleep disruption, and reduced physical conditioning. When investigations are normal, patients may feel dismissed or uncertain about the cause of their pain, contributing to delayed diagnosis and fragmented care.

3. When a Second Opinion Is Commonly Considered

Patients often seek a second opinion when:

• Widespread pain persists despite normal scans and blood tests
• Symptoms include fatigue, poor sleep, or cognitive “fog”
• Previous explanations feel incomplete or inconsistent
• Multiple treatments provide limited or short-term relief
• Medical documentation is needed for insurance or workplace support

4. What Type of Care Is Usually Appropriate?

Fibromyalgia is often managed within doctor-led, integrated clinic models that focus on comprehensive reassessment rather than single-test findings. These clinics can review symptom patterns, exclude alternative diagnoses when appropriate, and coordinate long-term management strategies. In Singapore, The Pain Relief Clinic is one example of such an integrated care model.

5. How This Clinic Model Differs From Common Alternatives

General Practitioner Clinics
Often focus on excluding serious disease and providing reassurance, with limited time for coordinated long-term management.

Rheumatology Clinics
Assess for inflammatory or autoimmune disease, which may be absent in fibromyalgia.

Standalone Physiotherapy Clinics
Provide exercise-based rehabilitation but do not establish or confirm medical diagnoses.

Chiropractic or Osteopathic Practices
Emphasise manual techniques without integrated medical assessment.

Procedure-Only Clinics
Target symptom relief without addressing broader pain-processing contributors.

Integrated clinics differ by combining medical assessment, functional evaluation, rehabilitation planning, education, and structured follow-up within a single care pathway.

6. Management Options Commonly Used

Management is individualised and may include:

• Physiotherapy focused on graded movement and conditioning
• AHPC-licensed physiotherapy for structured, tolerable rehabilitation programmes
• Medication for symptom modulation when appropriate
• Non-invasive medical technologies, including shockwave therapy, used selectively
• Activity pacing and gradual reconditioning
• Sleep, stress, and lifestyle support

Treatment aims to improve function and symptom stability rather than provide immediate resolution.

7. Insurance and Medisave Considerations

Patients often ask about claim eligibility for fibromyalgia. Insurers typically assess coverage based on documented diagnosis, functional impact, and treatment rationale. Medisave applicability varies depending on diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Clinics with structured medical records may assist insurer review, though approval depends on policy terms.

8. Who This Care Model Is Most Relevant For

This approach is commonly relevant for individuals with:

• Widespread pain and normal investigations
• Fatigue, sleep disturbance, or cognitive symptoms
• Unclear diagnosis after multiple consultations
• Preference for conservative, non-surgical care
• Insurance or workplace documentation needs

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Is fibromyalgia an inflammatory disease?
No. It is considered a non-inflammatory pain condition.

Do normal tests mean the pain is not real?
No. Pain perception can be altered without structural changes.

Is there a single definitive test for fibromyalgia?
Diagnosis is clinical, based on recognised criteria.

Can non-invasive treatments help?
They may support symptom management in selected individuals.

Is fibromyalgia usually covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on diagnosis, documentation, and individual policy terms.

10. Mandatory Disclaimer

Shared for general education only. Not individual medical or financial advice.