Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is classified as a musculoskeletal condition.

33What may help

This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

33 options:1 good evidence7 some evidence1 mixed14 not enough evidence9 not tested in people1 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

TENS / EMS TherapypracticeGood evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Good human studies found a benefit, and they mostly agree. This is about what studies measured, not a cure.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A review reported pain reduction in 6 of 8 randomized trials, with TENS added to exercise outperforming exercise alone in the short term. In a trial of 384 adults with fibromyalgia, TENS reduced movement-evoked and resting pain and fatigue compared with physical therapy alone.
Open the TENS / EMS Therapy page
AcupuncturepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A meta-analysis of 17 randomized trials reported improvements in pain, FIQ, depression, and fatigue among people with fibromyalgia. Another analysis covered 26 randomized trials of acupuncture-based interventions and assessed pain, depression, and response outcomes.
Open the Acupuncture page
CardiopracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Cardio page
Mindfulness MeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found improved quality of life at short and long term follow-up and reduced pain catastrophizing versus active control, but pain severity did not significantly improve versus active control. A separate trial involving 95 people reported greater improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms than with a waitlist.
Open the Mindfulness Meditation page
PilatespracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A 2024 meta-analysis of 6 randomized trials found reductions in pain (VAS) and improvement in health-related quality of life (FIQ). A 2020 trial in 42 women with fibromyalgia also reported symptom improvement with mat Pilates.
Open the Pilates page
QigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Reviews reported improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia impact. However, one review found quality of life was better with sham treatment.
Open the Qigong page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A review of randomized trials found fatigue reduction, while evidence for improvements in FIQ and stiffness was low certainty. Another review noted a benefit from a single trial.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
YogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A review of randomized trials reported improved FIQ/FIQR scores in adults with fibromyalgia. A separate review described possible improvements in symptoms, functional abilities, and coping skills, as well as changes in pain processing.
Open the Yoga page

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
3 of 4 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
An analysis of 384 people across 6 RCTs found improvements after ACT in fibromyalgia impact, pain acceptance, pain, disability, depression, anxiety and fatigue, with most improvements maintained at follow-up. A separate subgroup analysis found no significant differences between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome for any outcome; sleep quality did not significantly improve during ACT treatment and decreased during follow-up in one trial.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) page
DancepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A review reported that belly dance improved six-minute walk test results, FIQ score and SF-36 compared with a no-intervention control.
Open the Dance page
MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Open the Meditation page
PsychotherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A review covering five randomized controlled trials reported reductions in symptom severity, pain, anxiety and depression, alongside improved quality of life, with cognitive behavioral therapy, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Open the Psychotherapy page
Strength TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A review covering 17 studies of 993 women with Fibromyalgia reported that pain decreased in 70.59% of analyzed literature, functionality improved in 58.82%, and quality of life improved in 41.18%. It described progressive resistance exercise starting at 40% 1RM.
Open the Strength Training page
Tai ChipracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none.
A subgroup analysis in a pooled review whose study designs were not recorded found improved insomnia among people with fibromyalgia who practiced Taijiquan.
Open the Tai Chi page
Brisk WalkingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
In a 2025 randomized controlled trial in 66 people with Fibromyalgia, walking and two other exercise types reduced symptoms within groups, but none achieved a minimal clinically important difference.
Open the Brisk Walking page
Expressive WritingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Research has enrolled people with fibromyalgia and assessed pain and psychological outcomes, but the reported finding does not say whether these outcomes improved.
Open the Expressive Writing page
Finnish SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A single-arm pre/post study of 13 female patients meeting ACR criteria found reductions in pain VAS and FIQ scores after Waon therapy.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
Hatha YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
In an uncontrolled pilot study of 10 people with fibromyalgia-related symptoms, participants reported reduced symptoms after gentle Hatha yoga.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
Heating Pads / Warm CompressespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A pilot study reported reduced pain and fibromyalgia impact after 4 weeks of hot-water immersion in women with fibromyalgia.
Open the Heating Pads / Warm Compresses page
Hot BathpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A pilot case series of 8 people reported improvements in pain, fibromyalgia impact, physical function, and sleep-related impairment after 4 weeks of hot water immersion.
Open the Hot Bath page
MassagepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A systematic review reported that myofascial release improved pain in people with fibromyalgia.
Open the Massage page
SwimmingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A review synthesizing four clinical trials reported positive results for pain and quality of life in Fibromyalgia.
Open the Swimming page
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A review described one randomized trial in which adding nature-based activities, including forest bathing, to usual care improved core fibromyalgia symptoms.
Open the Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) page
BreathworkpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Open the Breathwork page
CyclingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise, including cycling, is described as potentially reducing pain and improving function in fibromyalgia, with exercise introduced gradually.
Open the Cycling page
Grounding / EarthingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Earthing may help reduce widespread pain and improve sleep in people with fibromyalgia; the proposed explanation involves changes in central sensitization and inflammatory markers.
Open the Grounding / Earthing page
Infrared SaunapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Infrared Sauna may reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
Laughter Yoga / TherapypracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Expert guidance suggests that low-impact group activities, including Laughter Yoga, may support pain tolerance, mood and social function in people with Fibromyalgia.
Open the Laughter Yoga / Therapy page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Swedish massage is described as one part of multimodal management for fibromyalgia, with the aim of addressing pain, stiffness, and anxiety. This finding does not establish the effect of massage on its own.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page
Vinyasa YogapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Gentle Vinyasa Yoga may improve pain, fatigue, and stiffness in fibromyalgia when adapted to individual tolerance.
Open the Vinyasa Yoga page
Wim Hof Method BreathingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
The proposed rationale is to help manage central sensitization and pain perception through improved interoception and descending inhibition.
Open the Wim Hof Method Breathing page
Yin YogapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Yin Yoga may improve pain tolerance and sleep quality for people with fibromyalgia; its low-impact, nervous-system-regulating nature is the proposed rationale.
Open the Yin Yoga page
Cupping TherapypracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
Cupping was not superior to sham cupping for pain or other outcomes in a randomized controlled trial involving 141 people, and the authors concluded that they could not recommend cupping for fibromyalgia.
Open the Cupping Therapy page

Show all 33

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Interventions recorded as helping with this condition33 listed

Highest probability, strongest evidence

PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyHighSourceRCT
A review reported pain reduction in 6 of 8 randomized trials, with TENS added to exercise outperforming exercise alone in the short term. In a trial of 384 adults with fibromyalgia, TENS reduced movement-evoked and resting pain and fatigue compared with physical therapy alone.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Study result
6 of 8 RCTs showed significant pain reduction with TENS; no adverse effects reported; TENS as adjunct to exercise superior to exercise alone at short term
Open TENS / EMS Therapy
→

Medium probability(8)

PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT
An analysis of 384 people across 6 RCTs found improvements after ACT in fibromyalgia impact, pain acceptance, pain, disability, depression, anxiety and fatigue, with most improvements maintained at follow-up. A separate subgroup analysis found no significant differences between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome for any outcome; sleep quality did not significantly improve during ACT treatment and decreased during follow-up in one trial.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Study result
7 of the 16 included RCTs focused on fibromyalgia; subgroup analysis found no significant differences between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome subgroups for any outcome.
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
→
PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A meta-analysis of 17 randomized trials reported improvements in pain, FIQ, depression, and fatigue among people with fibromyalgia. Another analysis covered 26 randomized trials of acupuncture-based interventions and assessed pain, depression, and response outcomes.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Study result
26 RCTs of acupuncture-based interventions in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome; outcomes VAS, HAMD and TER
Open Acupuncture
→
PracticesCardioCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
Pooled analyses of randomized trials reported that swimming improved overall health status, while Liuzijue reduced pain and improved sleep quality. Another pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found reduced pain (MD −0.49; CI [−0.90, −0.08]; p=0.02); MCID was achieved with 2-3 sessions/week, >100 min/week, vigorous intensity, and 6-20 weeks duration.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Swimming improved overall health status and Liuzijue reduced pain and improved sleep quality versus control in pooled fibromyalgia RCTs.
Open Cardio
→
PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found improved quality of life at short and long term follow-up and reduced pain catastrophizing versus active control, but pain severity did not significantly improve versus active control. A separate trial involving 95 people reported greater improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms than with a waitlist.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Study result
Pooled quality of life improved versus active control at short and long term follow-up, and pain catastrophising improved versus active control; pain severity versus active control was not significant (no_effect for that outcome).
Open Mindfulness Meditation
→
PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A 2024 meta-analysis of 6 randomized trials found reductions in pain (VAS) and improvement in health-related quality of life (FIQ). A 2020 trial in 42 women with fibromyalgia also reported symptom improvement with mat Pilates.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Study result
Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs showing significant pain reduction (VAS) and HRQOL improvement (FIQ).
Open Pilates
→
PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
Reviews reported improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia impact. However, one review found quality of life was better with sham treatment.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Breast Cancer
Burnout
Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Cervical Pain
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
+11 more
Study result
Improvements in fibromyalgia impact, pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression; but QOL better with sham.
Open Qigong
→
PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A review of randomized trials found fatigue reduction (eSMD 1.25, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.87), while evidence for improvements in FIQ and stiffness was low certainty. Another review noted a benefit from a single trial.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Alopecia Androgenetic
Als
Alzheimers Disease
Anxiety Disorder
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel
+19 more
Study result
Single-trial benefit noted in the review
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A review of randomized trials reported improved FIQ/FIQR scores in adults with fibromyalgia. A separate review described possible improvements in symptoms, functional abilities, and coping skills, as well as changes in pain processing.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Three RCTs in adults with fibromyalgia showed improved FIQ/FIQR scores with yoga.
Open Yoga
→

Low probability(23)

PracticesDanceCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A review reported that belly dance improved six-minute walk test results, FIQ score and SF-36 compared with a no-intervention control.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Belly dance significantly improved six-minute walk test (p<0.001), FIQ score, and SF-36 compared to no-intervention control
Open Dance
→
PracticesMeditationCertaintyLowSourceRCT
Meta-analysis of 11 trials (1153 participants) found MBSR improved quality of life and pain catastrophising vs active control at short and long term follow-up, with low-to-moderate certainty; authors support MBSR as a cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention for these outcomes.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Open Meditation
→
PracticesPsychotherapyCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A review covering five randomized controlled trials reported reductions in symptom severity, pain, anxiety and depression, alongside improved quality of life, with cognitive behavioral therapy, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Five RCTs showed CBT, iCBT, and MBSR reduced symptom severity, pain, anxiety/depression, and improved quality of life
Open Psychotherapy
→
PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A review covering 17 studies of 993 women with Fibromyalgia reported that pain decreased in 70.59% of analyzed literature, functionality improved in 58.82%, and quality of life improved in 41.18%. It described progressive resistance exercise starting at 40% 1RM.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Systematic review of 17 studies (993 women with FM); progressive RE starting at 40% 1RM recommended; pain decreased in 70.59% of analyzed literature, functionality improved in 58.82%, and QOL improved in 41.18%.
Open Strength Training
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceRCT
A subgroup analysis in a pooled review whose study designs were not recorded found improved insomnia among people with fibromyalgia who practiced Taijiquan.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Back Pain
Fibromyalgia
Osteoarthritis
Study result
Subgroup analysis showed Taijiquan significantly improved insomnia in fibromyalgia patients
Open Tai Chi
→
PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a 2025 randomized controlled trial in 66 people with Fibromyalgia, walking and two other exercise types reduced symptoms within groups, but none achieved a minimal clinically important difference.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
All three exercise types (including walking) significantly reduced fibromyalgia symptoms within groups, though no minimal clinically important difference was achieved.
Open Brisk Walking
→
PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
Research has enrolled people with fibromyalgia and assessed pain and psychological outcomes, but the reported finding does not say whether these outcomes improved.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study result
Several included RCTs of written emotional disclosure enrolled fibromyalgia patients with pain and psychological outcomes.
Open Expressive Writing
→
PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A single-arm pre/post study of 13 female patients meeting ACR criteria found reductions in pain VAS and FIQ scores after Waon therapy.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Study result
Single-arm pre/post study of 13 female patients meeting ACR criteria showing significant reductions in pain VAS and FIQ scores after Waon therapy.
Open Finnish Sauna
→
PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In an uncontrolled pilot study of 10 people with fibromyalgia-related symptoms, participants reported reduced symptoms after gentle Hatha yoga.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Participants with fibromyalgia-related symptoms reported reduced symptoms on the FIQ after gentle Hatha yoga in an uncontrolled sample of 10.
Open Hatha Yoga
→
PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A pilot study reported reduced pain and fibromyalgia impact after 4 weeks of hot-water immersion in women with fibromyalgia.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Fibromyalgia
Study result
Pilot single-arm study in 8 women with fibromyalgia showing reductions in pain and FM impact after 4 weeks of hot water immersion.
Open Heating Pads / Warm Compresses
→
PracticesHot BathCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A pilot case series of 8 people reported improvements in pain, fibromyalgia impact, physical function, and sleep-related impairment after 4 weeks of hot water immersion.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Pilot study showing significant improvements in pain, fibromyalgia impact, physical function, and sleep-related impairment after 4 weeks of hot water immersion.
Open Hot Bath
→
PracticesMassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A systematic review reported that myofascial release improved pain in people with fibromyalgia.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Moderate-certainty evidence (Ughreja 2021) that myofascial release significantly improves pain.
Open Massage
→
PracticesSwimmingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A review synthesizing four clinical trials reported positive results for pain and quality of life in Fibromyalgia.
Study result
Synthesis of four clinical trials showing positive results for pain and quality of life.
Open Swimming
→
PracticesForest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)CertaintyLowSourceReview
A review described one randomized trial in which adding nature-based activities, including forest bathing, to usual care improved core fibromyalgia symptoms.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Heart Failure
Hypertension
Insomnia
Study result
One RCT suggested that adding nature-based activities including shinrin-yoku to usual care improved core symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Open Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
→
PracticesBreathworkCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Gentle breathwork may help manage fibromyalgia pain and fatigue by reducing sympathetic overactivity and improving pain coping.
→
PracticesCyclingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise, including cycling, is described as potentially reducing pain and improving function in fibromyalgia, with exercise introduced gradually.
Study result
Low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise, including cycling, is recommended and may modestly reduce pain and improve function, introduced gradually.
Open Cycling
→
PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Earthing may help reduce widespread pain and improve sleep in people with fibromyalgia; the proposed explanation involves changes in central sensitization and inflammatory markers.
Study result
May help reduce widespread pain and improve sleep in fibromyalgia patients via modulation of central sensitization and inflammatory markers.
Open Grounding / Earthing
→
PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Infrared Sauna may reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia.
Study result
Infrared sauna reduces pain, stiffness, and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients.
Open Infrared Sauna
→
PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Expert guidance suggests that low-impact group activities, including Laughter Yoga, may support pain tolerance, mood and social function in people with Fibromyalgia.
Study result
Low-impact group interventions including Laughter Yoga improve pain tolerance, mood, and social function in fibromyalgia patients.
Open Laughter Yoga / Therapy
→
PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Swedish massage is described as one part of multimodal management for fibromyalgia, with the aim of addressing pain, stiffness, and anxiety. This finding does not establish the effect of massage on its own.
Study result
Swedish massage is used as part of multimodal management to reduce pain, stiffness, and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients.
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
→
PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Gentle Vinyasa Yoga may improve pain, fatigue, and stiffness in fibromyalgia when adapted to individual tolerance.
Study result
Gentle vinyasa yoga may improve pain, fatigue, and stiffness in fibromyalgia when adapted to individual tolerance.
Open Vinyasa Yoga
→
PracticesWim Hof Method BreathingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
The proposed rationale is to help manage central sensitization and pain perception through improved interoception and descending inhibition.
Study result
Helps manage central sensitization and pain perception through improved interoception and descending inhibition.
Open Wim Hof Method Breathing
→
PracticesYin YogaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Yin Yoga may improve pain tolerance and sleep quality for people with fibromyalgia; its low-impact, nervous-system-regulating nature is the proposed rationale.
Study result
Yin Yoga may help improve pain tolerance and sleep quality in fibromyalgia patients due to its low-impact, nervous-system-regulating nature.
Open Yin Yoga
→

Very low probability(1)

PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical
Cupping was not superior to sham cupping for pain or other outcomes in a randomized controlled trial involving 141 people, and the authors concluded that they could not recommend cupping for fibromyalgia.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Osteoarthritis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
+2 more
Open Cupping Therapy
→

What to avoid

Interventions recorded as making it worse

Nothing in this library is currently recorded as making Fibromyalgia worse. Coverage is partial, and absence here is not evidence of safety.

Browse the supplements that are written up

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition. Research on it has examined quality of life, pain catastrophising, and muscular strength, with approaches including Tai Chi, Meditation, Creatine, and Melatonin studied as possible ways to help. Evidence differs across approaches, so these findings describe areas of research rather than defining the condition or establishing that any option works for everyone.

Evidence-backed options

The evidence for options associated with Fibromyalgia is uneven and addresses different outcomes. Tai Chi has the clearest condition-specific support, while Meditation showed improvements in quality of life and pain catastrophising at both short- and long-term follow-up. These findings do not establish that every option affects every Fibromyalgia symptom, and the outcomes assessed varied across approaches, including pain-related measures, mood, fatigue, sleep, strength, and function.

Creatine was associated with higher muscle phosphoryl creatine levels and greater muscular strength, whereas Melatonin was described as a possible coadjuvant related to quality of life. Finnish Sauna and Yin Yoga have been discussed in pharmacology references, but their evidence is less established than the randomized-trial evidence for Tai Chi and Meditation. 5-HTP has been studied particularly in relation to sleep and pain, without enough information here to judge how quickly effects appeared or how consistently they occurred.

For several options, the health status of participants was not specified, limiting direct application to people with Fibromyalgia. Treatment durations are also not specified for most options, so the approaches cannot be reliably compared by time to benefit. Saffron Extract did not improve the reported Fibromyalgia outcomes, and Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) at 80 mg/day did not outperform placebo across the assessed measures. These distinctions are important when interpreting the options; discussion with a clinician is appropriate for any medical condition.