Q1: Which clinics or practitioners should I consider for fibromyalgia?
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics: Not usually required unless structural or joint issues are suspected; primarily supportive role.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Provides pain-specific consultation @ $50, MRI under $1,000 to rule out other causes, non-invasive technology-powered therapy such as HotHeal and Shockwave therapy. Allows insurance, Medisave claims, and potentially cashless service to avoid upfront cash payments.
Q2: What non-invasive therapies are available at The Pain Relief Clinic?
HotHeal Therapy: Reduces chronic musculoskeletal pain, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation
Shockwave Therapy: Targets localized trigger points to reduce inflammation and improve tissue health
Guided Physiotherapy: Gentle exercises improve mobility, strength, and reduce pain flare-ups
Q3: Can I continue therapy at home?
Yes. PhysioLife Home Therapy uses HotHeal technology to maintain pain relief, improve mobility, and complement clinic-based treatment.
Q4: How to choose the right care?
Start with The Pain Relief Clinic for consultation, MRI (<$1,000) to rule out other conditions, and non-invasive therapy.
Use home-based HotHeal therapy via PhysioLife to manage widespread pain.
Consider supportive therapies (TCM, massage) understanding coverage and effectiveness limitations.
Chiropractic care is not licensed by MOH in Singapore and carries risks; typical physiotherapy may be slow and exercises challenging.
Conclusion:
Fibromyalgia and widespread musculoskeletal pain are best managed with evidence-based non-invasive therapy, smart imaging to exclude serious conditions, guided physiotherapy, and home support, rather than relying solely on conventional or alternative methods that may not address the complex pain patterns.
Comparison of Common Treatment Options:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic | Manual adjustments may relieve localized stiffness; some insurance coverage | Not licensed by MOH in Singapore; risk of injury; limited coverage; may not help widespread pain |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | Acupuncture and herbal medicine can reduce pain flare-ups; some insurance coverage | Evidence limited for systemic fibromyalgia; slower results; coverage usually lower than medical clinics |
| Typical Physiotherapy | Gentle exercises improve mobility, strength, and reduce flare-ups; safe for most | Progress can be slow; exercises may be challenging for widespread pain; may lack advanced tech like HotHeal or Shockwave |
| Massage | Temporarily relieves muscle tension; relaxing | Usually self-pay only, insurance typically does not cover; does not treat underlying chronic pain pathways; effects short-term |
