I am very interested in this topic and will be keeping an eye on the responses. My GP wants me to see a Physiotherapist because I have pain in my knees. He actually had a name for it, some kind of syndrome but I think it's Fibro related. I have been putting it off partly because I am not very motivated but also I am afraid they will make things worse. I see him about once a month and he keeps asking if I have gone for physio. I better at least give it a try.

After my very painful knee replacement surgery, I had to see a Physical Therapist 2 or 3 times a week for 6 weeks. I found out before I saw her that she worked with fibro patients, so even though the PT was brutal at least I knew she understood why I was screaming :)

I think you should find a physical therapist who has worked on fibro patients. Mine can't be the only one out there.

Good luck.

I think that this is one 'tool' that may help some, but not all. Also, not all PT's are alike and will offer the same treatments. I have tried PT three different times over the years for fibro pain, stiffness, and myofacial pain, and the only success for me was with the latter. PT actually made my fibro pain worse, even though the therapist was gentle and did not push me, and even though I stuck with it for a bit to see if my body would adjust... it's just not for me.

I see a massage therapist who is wonderful! She is trained for dealing with fibro patients. It is not a 'pamper-me' massage, but rather a gentle work-out. While this does not have long-lasting results, the temporary results are good for me as they keep me from tensing up too badly.

I've never quite understood what physical therapy offers for fibromyalgia specifically, but many of us have co-morbid conditions that could certainly benefit.

One thing that might be helpful for a lot of people, especially those who have been away from exercise for some time, is the ability to learn to exercise in a way that doesn't cause additional pain. Personal trainers are so often a "one size fits all" deal, but a physical therapist familiar with the issues of fibromyalgia should be able to design an exercise plan that is sustainable, and help get the patient started on it.

Definitely if your PT isn't familiar with fibromyalgia I'd be shopping around.

I got a referral to a PT when I was diagnosed with TMJ.

He helped me immensely.

Get someone with years of experience who comes very highly recommended.

The best physical therapist I had was one who understood fibro and was also trained as a massage therapist. Stay away from PT's trained in sports medicine. The one's I have had really do not understand fibro. I also respond very well to water therapy or aqua therapy in a warm pool.

Before my dx of fibro, my doc sent me to PT. I did what I was supposed to do and paid dearly for it. Hurt sooo much.

Like revgirl mentioned, aqua therapy, warm water is great, but stay away from sports medicine PT's.