Discover how IASTM treatment for fibromyalgia, administered by registered osteopaths at MHV Clinic, offers a gentle technique geared towards long-term inflammation control. Learn about our personalised osteopathic treatment protocols today.
Fibromyalgia and chronic inflammation can be profoundly debilitating, characterised by widespread pain, fatigue and reduced quality of life. Fortunately, contemporary osteopathic approaches — including the use of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) — may offer patients a gentle yet effective means of managing these complex conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
Furthermore, you’ll find reliable UK references from the NHS, NICE and the Institute of Osteopathy so that you can make a fully informed decision in line with Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidance on health-related claims in osteopathy (see asa.org.uk/advice-online/health-osteopathy.html).
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome affecting around 2% of the UK population, characterised by:
Additionally, emerging research suggests that low-grade inflammation and abnormal central pain processing may underlie many of these symptoms. Consequently, effective management often involves a multimodal approach that combines medication, exercise, and manual therapies.
For an authoritative overview, see the NHS information on fibromyalgia.
Meanwhile, chronic inflammation — whether systemic or localised — can exacerbate pain signalling, impair tissue healing and perpetuate a vicious cycle of discomfort. Therefore, interventions that both modulate soft tissue mechanics and address inflammatory mediators are invaluable.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique in which clinicians use specialised stainless-steel tools to:
IASTM has been widely adopted by physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths worldwide. Despite its mechanical roots, the method can be delivered with remarkable nuance, allowing practitioners to adjust pressure, instrument angle and stroke length to each patient’s comfort level.
Fibromyalgia patients often experience heightened pain responses to even light touch (allodynia), making overly aggressive manual therapies counterproductive. Instead, a gentle IASTM approach can offer the following advantages:
Moreover, because fibromyalgia treatment is multifactorial, integrating IASTM within a broader osteopathic framework — including joint articulation, cranial osteopathy and exercise prescription — ensures that all contributing factors are addressed systematically.
Several peer-reviewed studies indicate that IASTM may downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α) while upregulating growth factors that facilitate healing. For example:
However, it’s essential to recognise that no single study guarantees universal efficacy. Instead, sustained improvement in chronic inflammation hinges on consistent, tailored interventions and patient compliance.
At MHV Clinic, our approach to IASTM for fibromyalgia treatment and chronic inflammation stands out in three crucial ways:
Find out more about what an osteopath is and how they’re trained on the Institute of Osteopathy website.
While IASTM is generally safe when performed by a registered osteopath, there are a few considerations:
Patients are advised to communicate openly during sessions and report any unusual discomfort immediately. Furthermore, we recommend supplementing hands-on care with self-management strategies, such as gentle stretching, mindfulness, and paced aerobic activity, to sustain improvements between visits.
Q: How many IASTM sessions will I need to see improvement?
A: While individual responses vary, many patients notice reduced stiffness and improved mobility after 3–5 sessions. Long-term inflammation control typically requires a course of 8–12 treatments over 2–3 months, combined with daily self-care.
Q: Is IASTM painful?
A: At MHV Clinic, we prioritise a gentle, patient-centric approach. You may feel mild pressure or a sense of “release,” but treatments are never aggressive. Your comfort level guides the technique throughout the session.
Q: Can IASTM replace medication?
A: IASTM is designed to complement, not replace, existing medical therapies. Patients should continue any prescribed medications and inform both their GP and osteopath of all treatments being undertaken.
If you’re struggling with fibromyalgia or chronic inflammation, consider a consultation with one of MHV Clinic’s registered osteopaths. We’ll:
Moreover, our holistic philosophy ensures that you receive not just hands-on relief but also the education and tools to take control of your health every day.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a registered osteopath or medical professional before beginning any new treatment regimen.
