Fibromyalgia Support in Perth (Malaga & Noranda)

Pain-sensitive rehabilitation, pacing and practical strategies for daily function

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that can involve widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive symptoms (“fibro fog”). Symptoms often fluctuate and can affect work, family life, and confidence with movement. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide evidence-informed, person-centred rehabilitation focused on improving function, building capacity safely, and reducing the impact of symptoms on everyday life.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is commonly described as a condition involving increased sensitivity of the nervous system, which can amplify pain and other sensations. It is not “just sore muscles.” Many people experience a combination of:

• Widespread musculoskeletal pain

• Fatigue and reduced stamina

• Sleep disturbance (unrefreshing sleep)

• Cognitive symptoms (“brain fog,” difficulty concentrating)

• Sensory sensitivity (sound, light, temperature) in some people

• Flare-ups triggered by stress, illness, poor sleep, or activity changes

Important: Fibromyalgia is a medical diagnosis. Your GP and/or specialist team manage diagnosis and medical care. Allied health supports function, pacing and symptom-management strategies alongside your medical plan.

How fibromyalgia can affect daily life

Fibromyalgia can impact:

• Daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, driving, shopping, caring for others)

• Work or study capacity

• Exercise tolerance and confidence with movement

• Mood and stress levels

• Social participation and quality of life

Symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. A tailored plan matters.

How Palms can help

Our approach is practical and goal-based. We aim to help you:

• Improve day-to-day function and participation

• Build strength and activity tolerance safely

• Reduce “boom–bust” cycles (overdoing it then crashing)

• Develop pacing, flare planning and self-management strategies

• Rebuild confidence with movement and activity

We do not promise a cure. Our focus is on improving function and quality of life with an evidence-informed approach.

Physiotherapy for fibromyalgia (movement confidence and pain-sensitive rehab)

Physiotherapy can support function using gentle, graded progression and symptom-aware strategies.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Mobility and flexibility strategies to reduce stiffness

• Strength and movement control work tailored to tolerance

• Posture and movement efficiency to reduce unnecessary strain

• Graded exposure to activities you’ve been avoiding

• Pain education, pacing, and flare planning

• Hands-on treatment when appropriate for short-term symptom relief (as part of an active plan)

Physiotherapy: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/physiotherapy

Exercise Physiology for fibromyalgia (graded conditioning)

Exercise physiology can help you build a consistent routine that improves capacity without triggering flare-ups.

EP support may include:

• Very gradual strength and cardiovascular conditioning

• Fatigue-aware pacing and progression planning

• Low-impact options where appropriate (walking programs, supervised gym-based programs)

• Building confidence and consistency over time

Exercise Physiology: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/exercise-physiology

Occupational Therapy for fibromyalgia (energy management and daily living)

Occupational therapy is often helpful when fibromyalgia symptoms disrupt routines, work participation, or independence.

OT may support:

• Energy conservation and pacing strategies for daily tasks

• Planning routines to reduce crashes (prioritising, task chunking, rest breaks)

• Workplace strategies and ergonomics (where relevant)

• Environmental modifications or equipment suggestions when clinically indicated

• Practical strategies for “brain fog” impacts (organisation, reminders, simplifying steps)

Occupational Therapy: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/occupational-therapy

Psychological wellbeing and support pathways

Living with chronic symptoms can be emotionally demanding. While Palms is an allied health clinic (not a mental health service), we can:

• Support practical coping strategies related to pacing and flare management

• Recommend referral pathways (psychology/counselling) if anxiety, low mood, or stress is significantly impacting wellbeing

• Encourage coordinated care with your GP/specialist team

Family support and education

Support from family and carers can make a big difference. We can provide:

• Education about symptom variability and pacing

• Strategies for supporting independence without pushing beyond tolerance

• Practical routines that reduce conflict and help with day-to-day planning

When to seek medical review

Seek GP review if symptoms are new, worsening, or unclear. Seek urgent medical attention if you have:

• Chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath

• Fever, unexplained weight loss, or feeling significantly unwell

• Progressive neurological symptoms (worsening weakness, numbness)

• Sudden severe deterioration in function

Our Mobile Therapy Services

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Fibromyalgia Association Australia – A national organisation providing support, information, and resources for individuals living with fibromyalgia.

• https://www.fibromyalgia.org.au

The Australian Rheumatology Association – Offers resources and information about fibromyalgia and its management.

• https://www.rheumatology.org.au

FibroAction – A UK-based charity that provides information and resources, including research updates and support for fibromyalgia.

• https://www.fibroaction.org

Chronic Pain Australia – Provides support and resources for individuals living with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.

• https://www.chronicpainaustralia.org.au

Healthdirect Australia – Offers general information about fibromyalgia, its symptoms, management, and treatment options.

• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Pain Australia – A resource providing information about managing pain and living with chronic conditions, including fibromyalgia.

• https://painaustralia.org.au

Beyond Blue – Mental health resources and support for those living with chronic health conditions, including fibromyalgia.

• https://www.beyondblue.org.au

The Butterfly Foundation – Offers resources on body image and mental health, relevant for those managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.

• https://butterfly.org.au

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) – Information on mental health and psychological support for chronic health conditions.

• https://www.psychology.org.au

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – Provides guidelines and resources for exercise interventions in chronic health conditions.

• https://www.essa.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.