Living with fibromyalgia means navigating a condition that doesn’t always stay steady—it can ebb and flow, often unexpectedly. For many clients at Physio Daily Care, this cyclical nature of flares can be among the most frustrating aspects of the condition. A flare‑up (or “flares”) of fibromyalgia involves a temporary intensification of symptoms that were already present, and understanding what triggers them, how they show up, and how to respond to them can empower you to reclaim more control over your day‑to‑day life.
What is a fibromyalgia flare‑up?
A flare‑up of fibromyalgia is when the pattern of pain, fatigue, cognitive fog and sensitivity becomes markedly worse for a period of time. During a flare you might experience more intense widespread pain, increased tender spots, sharper fatigue, greater stiffness, difficulty sleeping and more pronounced “fibro‑fog” (memory/concentration issues).
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It’s not a new disease state but rather a temporary worsening of the existing condition.
What symptoms tell you a flare‑up is underway?
The hallmark of a flare includes significantly increased pain and sensitivity throughout your body.
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You may also notice stiffness, especially after being inactive or upon waking. You might sleep poorly and wake feeling unrefreshed. Mentally, fogginess or difficulty concentrating (“brain‑fog”) may intensify.
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You may also find yourself more sensitive to stimuli such as cold/heat, noise, light, or touch.
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In short, your fibromyalgia symptoms are being amplified temporarily.
What triggers the flare‑ups?
There is no single trigger that applies to everyone, but many people with fibromyalgia discover certain patterns. One of the most consistent triggers is stress—both physical stress and emotional stress.
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For example, a demanding workday, conflict at home, major change in routine or illness can all spark a flare. Disrupted sleep, hormonal changes, infections, weather changes, physical over‑exertion or under‑activity also play a role.
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Recognising your personal “flare triggers” is a powerful step in managing your condition.
The stress‑fibromyalgia connection
It is particularly important to highlight how stress interacts with fibromyalgia. Research shows that in people with fibromyalgia, stress does not simply coexist—it may actively worsen symptoms.
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Physiologically, stress may alter neurotransmitters, hormone responses and pain‑sensitisation pathways—essentially amplifying how the body processes pain.
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For the team at Physio Daily Care, helping clients to incorporate stress‑management techniques is a vital piece of the overall care plan.
Strategies to manage and shorten flare‑ups
When a flare begins, your first goal is often reducing its intensity and shortening its duration. Some practical steps to consider:
Acknowledge that you’re in a flare and adjust expectations. It’s not the time to push hard.
Prioritise rest and good sleep hygiene: calming pre‑sleep routine, limit screen time, keep a regular bedtime.
Gentle movement: While high intensity exercise may worsen symptoms during a flare, light activity (such as gentle stretching or walking) can help maintain circulation and reduce stiffness.
Stress‑reduction practices: meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided mindfulness—all can ease the physiological stress load.
Keep your usual fibromyalgia self‑care routine: medications (if any), physical therapy, heat or cold packs, massage or gentle manual therapy as guided by your clinician.
Log and reflect: After a flare subsides, review potential triggers and patterns. This can help you anticipate and perhaps avoid future flares.
How Physio Daily Care supports clients during flares
At Physio Daily Care we believe in a comprehensive approach to fibromyalgia care—one that blends manual therapy, tailored movement plans, education and stress‑management support. When you’re in a flare, we adjust your therapy to focus on relief, support and restoration rather than pushing for performance gains. We help you explore what may have triggered the flare, tweak your movement and recovery plan accordingly and build resilience for future flare cycles.
Hope and long‑term perspective
Perhaps the most important message for someone with fibromyalgia is this: a flare‑up is not a sign of failure. It is a signal that your body is under increased load or stress and needs recalibration. With preparation, trigger‑recognition and professional support like that offered by Physio Daily Care, you can reduce the frequency and severity of flares over time. While fibromyalgia remains a chronic condition, many people find they regain more consistent control over their life and symptoms, flare by flare.
In summary, understanding what a flare‑up is, being aware of how stress and other factors contribute, and partnering with knowledgeable professionals to tailor your fibromyalgia stress plan makes a real difference. If you sense a flare coming, reach out early, adjust your pace, and let your care team at Physio Daily Care assist you in navigating it toward recovery.