Fibromyalgia
Exercise physiology and physiotherapy for fibromyalgia. Paced, evidence-based, and built around you.
Fibromyalgia is real. The pain is real, the fatigue is real, and the frustration of being dismissed or misunderstood by the healthcare system is real.
People with fibromyalgia often come to us after years of searching for answers. They've been told their results are normal, that they need to push through, or that stress is the cause. None of that is helpful, and most of it isn't accurate.
We take a different approach. We start by listening. Then we work with you whether that's through exercise physiology, physiotherapy, or both to build a plan that fits where you are right now.
Fibromyalgia doesn't respond well to the "no pain, no gain" model. Pushing through pain spikes often leads to flares that set progress back weeks.
Generic exercise prescriptions miss the mark. Fibromyalgia involves central sensitisation — a state where the nervous system becomes highly attuned to signals that wouldn't usually register as pain (Clauw, 2014).
Exercise that works for someone without fibromyalgia can feel overwhelming, or even harmful. Flares triggered by pushing through can set progress back weeks or months.
Too often, people are told to just move more as if they haven't tried. That's not accurate, and it's not fair.
Fibromyalgia is best managed through a team approach. Exercise physiology and physiotherapy together address the physical, neurological, and lifestyle factors at play.
We use graded, paced movement. Starting where you actually are, building slowly, and paying close attention to how your body responds.
A thorough assessment of your history, your flares, your patterns, and your goals. We want to know what a typical week looks like for you, what triggers a flare, and what helps.
Most people start with low-intensity, flexible programming that can be adjusted week to week. Your plan is built around your life, not a generic protocol.
Carefully dosed movement that supports nervous system regulation alongside physical conditioning. Not just counting reps — understanding what's driving your symptoms.
Progress with fibromyalgia is not always linear — we know that, and we plan for it. Frequent reassessment and adjustment is part of the process.
Care across Footscray, Glen Iris, and Port Melbourne
Our exercise physiologists and physiotherapists have experience working with complex chronic conditions, including fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions like ME/CFS, hypermobility, and MCAS. They stay current with the evidence and are committed to getting it right for you.
Qualifications: Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSA), NOI Explain Pain, Connection Medicine: Invisible Illnesses
Meet our teamYou don't need a formal fibromyalgia diagnosis to see us, and you don't need a referral. We work with people at all stages — newly diagnosed, long-term, or still seeking answers.
Diagnosed fibromyalgia
Suspected fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain
Fibromyalgia with overlapping conditions (ME/CFS, hypermobility, MCAS)
Pain that hasn't responded to other treatments
Wanting to move but unsure where to start
Looking for a practitioner who understands central sensitisation
Yes, when it's properly prescribed and paced. The evidence consistently supports exercise as one of the most effective tools for managing fibromyalgia symptoms (Macfarlane et al., 2017). The key is the right type, right amount, and right progression for you — not a generic program.
We work with flares, not around them. Your program will include strategies for high-symptom periods. You won't be pushed to exercise through a flare.
No. You can self-refer to either an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. If you want a Medicare rebate, ask your GP for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) referral.
Yes. Telehealth works well for many people with fibromyalgia, particularly on high-pain or high-fatigue days.
Yes. Physiotherapy can complement exercise physiology, particularly for people who benefit from hands-on treatment alongside exercise prescription. Both professions work with fibromyalgia at The Biomechanics.
Central sensitisation is a state in which the nervous system becomes highly attuned to signals it wouldn't usually register as painful. It is a key feature of fibromyalgia and explains why pain can feel widespread and unpredictable (Clauw, 2014).
Yes. Both exercise physiology and physiotherapy are covered by most private health extras. We process claims on the spot with HICAPS.
Your journey
Fibromyalgia often overlaps with other conditions — ME/CFS, hypermobility, MCAS, endometriosis, and more. Our team takes the time to understand the full picture. No labels, no one-size-fits-all.
Learn about our approachReady to take the next step? Book an initial appointment and tell us your story. No referral needed.
Book Your First Appointment
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