TL;DR

Early research suggests chiropractic and manual therapy may help reduce fibromyalgia-related pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Although studies are limited and often small, techniques such as spinal manipulation, myofascial release, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) have shown improvements in pain, sleep quality, anxiety, and overall quality of life. Modern evidence continues to support manual therapy as a helpful non-pharmacologic option when integrated into a broader, terrain-focused plan.

Early Research: Chiropractic and Fibromyalgia

An early study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (23(4): 225-230. May 2000.) looked at chiropractic and fibromyalgia.  After 30 treatments, more than 3/4 of the study participants had reduced pain intensity. Sleep quality improved in almost 2/3 of the participants. 3/4 of the participants experienced less fatigue. These improvements were sustained even one month later. The findings suggested that chiropractic can benefit fibromyalgia patients.

2011 — Myofascial Release

Immediately after treatment and at 1 month, anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain, and quality of life were improved in the experimental group over the placebo group. However, at 6 months postintervention, there were only significant differences in the quality of sleep index. Myofascial release techniques improved pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia [1].  Later research also found that other types of massage were also found were beneficial [2].

2025 — Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and Fibromyalgia

Although not chiropractic, OMT overlaps in manual therapy principles and is acceptable as supportive evidence. “Data gathered from studies demonstrated strong correlation between use of osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) in patients with fibromyalgia and reduced pain levels, as well as reduced disease impact and increased quality of life. Data from the comparative study using gabapentin, it was also found that using OMM alone without gabapentin showed significant pain reduction in the patient population while also drastically improving quality of life.” [3] Other research showed that OMT in combination with standard medical care was superior to standard medical care alone (2002) [4].

FAQ

Does chiropractic help fibromyalgia?

Research is limited but suggests that some patients experience reduced pain, improved sleep, and less fatigue after chiropractic care or other manual therapies. Results vary by individual, and chiropractic should be part of a broader lifestyle-based plan.

Is manual therapy evidence-based for fibromyalgia?

Yes—although the studies are small, several trials show benefits from myofascial release, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Improvements commonly include reduced pain, better sleep, lower anxiety, and improved quality of life.

What is myofascial release, and why is it used for fibromyalgia?

Myofascial release is a gentle hands-on technique that reduces tension in the fascia (connective tissue). Studies have shown improvements in pain, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life—especially in the short term.

How does osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) fit into fibromyalgia care?

OMT uses gentle manual techniques similar to some chiropractic and physical therapy approaches. Recent reviews suggest OMT may reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.

References:

  1. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011:2011:561753 Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia
  2. Man Ther. 2015 Apr;20(2):257-64. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  3. El-Husari M, Gjunkshi L, Hussain A, et al. (2025) Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review. Cureus 17(4): e.
  4. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2002 Jun;102(6):321-5. Osteopathic manipulative treatment in conjunction with medication relieves pain associated with fibromyalgia syndrome: results of a randomized clinical pilot project