Fibromyalgia – devices to help relieve pain
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition characterised by pain of varying intensity throughout the body, exhaustion, sleep disturbance and further symptoms. This is not a local injury, but a change in how pain is processed – which is why treatment is also multifactorial: alongside medication, regular gentle exercise, good sleep hygiene and stress management, physiotherapy devices may also support pain relief. On this page, we show which devices may be considered – always as a complementary approach, in consultation with your doctor.
What should you know in advance?
Fibromyalgia cannot currently be eliminated, but its symptoms can be managed and quality of life may improve considerably. Physiotherapy devices may help with relieving symptoms – especially pain, but they do not solve the problem on their own: the most favourable results come from the persistent, combined use of several methods. The device complements medical treatment and exercise therapy; it does not replace them.
The SonicRelief device emits a 1 MHz therapeutic ultrasound beam used to treat musculoskeletal (tendon, ligament, muscle) inflammations, injuries and degenerative conditions.
TENS device specialised for pain management
The UniPro is a two-channel, multifunctional electrotherapy device providing TENS, EMS, microcurrent and interferential (IF) treatments.
Premium 400 multifunctional electrotherapy device. TENS / EMS / MCR-MENS / FES / iontophoresis. Specialized programs: running, cross-country skiing, combat sports, tennis, football, cycling. 4 channels, battery operated.
Myolito electrotherapy device with TENS, EMS and FES (incontinence) programs
Neuromodulation device. Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system function via vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS).
Personal-Laser L400 infrared soft-laser for point treatments. 400 mW continuous output, 808 nm laser beam. Delivers 4 Joules of energy in 10 seconds. Laser diode lifetime 10,000+ hours.
Genesy 300 Pro multifunctional electrotherapy device. TENS / EMS / MCR-MENS / FES / iontophoresis. 4 channels, battery-powered.
The Globus Genesy 1500 — one device for hundreds of complaints.
Which methods may be considered?
Several physiotherapy methods may be considered as a complementary approach for fibromyalgia pain throughout the body. Since the symptoms are chronic and widespread, gentle methods that remain well tolerated over the long term are the most suitable. Let us look at what each method is for.
TENS relieves pain with mild electrical impulses, without medication or side effects. In fibromyalgia – because of the chronic, widespread pain – a low-frequency, “acupuncture-like” programme is often more favourable. Through the release of endorphins, it may provide longer-lasting relief than a high-frequency conventional setting. TENS may be a well-established complementary element of multimodal fibromyalgia treatment. It is worth choosing the appropriate programme with your doctor or physiotherapist.
Microcurrent treatment uses a very weak current that is barely perceptible and supports tissue-level processes and regeneration. Its gentleness may make it a good choice for fibromyalgia, where the skin and muscles are often particularly sensitive and stronger stimulation may be uncomfortable. It can be combined well with other methods.
Soft laser may have a role in the targeted treatment of particularly sensitive, painful points (tender points): by penetrating into the deeper tissue layers, it may moderate local pain and inflammation. Because fibromyalgia is widespread, it is more suitable for point treatment of the most troublesome, well-defined areas, as a complement to other methods.
The mechanical vibrations of therapeutic ultrasound penetrate into deeper tissues, improving local circulation and potentially easing secondary muscle spasms and muscle stiffness, which often accompany fibromyalgia. It may be a straightforward option for treating well-defined, stiff and tense areas.
A multi-pronged approach is key
No single method solves everything in fibromyalgia – the most favourable results come from a combination of different approaches: physiotherapy devices work together with regular gentle exercise, good sleep hygiene, stress management and medical treatment. Among the devices, multifunctional electrotherapy devices (for example, the Genesy series or Premium 400) offer TENS and microcurrent in one unit, with many programmes; soft laser and ultrasound are separate devices. You do not need to use everything at once – it is worth starting with the method that best suits the most troublesome symptom.
Important information
The diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia are determined by a doctor – it is important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The devices presented here are complementary aids for symptom relief; they do not replace medical treatment, exercise therapy or other methods. Electrotherapy, ultrasound and soft-laser devices have contraindications (for example, a pacemaker, pregnancy, a tumour in the treated area or fever). Since the skin and muscles affected by fibromyalgia are often particularly sensitive, it is advisable to start at low intensity and increase it gradually. If the symptoms worsen significantly or new symptoms appear, contact your doctor. Read the instructions before using the device and consult your doctor before introducing it.
Would you also like to understand the condition?
This page helps you choose treatment devices. If you would like to read more about fibromyalgia itself – its causes, symptoms and complex treatment – you will find it in Dr. Zsolt Zátrok’s article: Fibromyalgia: causes, symptoms and treatment →
Frequently asked questions
TENS may be a well-established complementary element of multimodal fibromyalgia treatment: it may relieve pain without medication. In fibromyalgia, a low-frequency, endorphin-based programme is often more favourable because it may provide longer-lasting relief. It is important to have realistic expectations: TENS relieves symptoms but does not eliminate the condition – it is most useful together with other methods.
In many cases, a multifunctional electrotherapy device (Genesy, Premium 400) is a good choice because it offers TENS and microcurrent in one unit, with many programmes – allowing flexible adjustment to changing symptoms. If you need particularly gentle treatment because of increased skin sensitivity, microcurrent may be preferable. Soft laser may be considered for targeted, well-defined painful points. It is worth discussing the decision with your doctor.
No. Fibromyalgia treatment is multifactorial: physiotherapy devices work together with regular gentle exercise, good sleep hygiene, stress management and medical treatment. The device helps relieve pain, but exercise and lifestyle factors are at least as important. The most lasting results come from a persistent, multi-pronged approach.
Because the skin and muscles are often particularly sensitive in fibromyalgia, and stronger stimulation may be uncomfortable or even temporarily increase pain. That is why it is advisable to start at low intensity and increase it gradually, according to your own tolerance. Gentle methods (microcurrent, low-frequency TENS) are therefore well suited to this condition. Your physiotherapist can help you set the device.
No – fibromyalgia does not currently go away permanently, and the devices do not resolve the condition either. What they may provide is relief of symptoms, especially pain, which may considerably improve quality of life. The realistic goal is to keep symptoms under control and make everyday life easier – through persistent treatment combining several methods, under medical guidance.
