For fibromyalgia, you may choose to see one or more of the following types of doctors:

Internist
Internal medicine specialists focus primarily on treating adult medical disorders. Despite the name, they are schooled in treating the whole body, not just the internal organs, and see patients for a variety of conditions and complaints. Also known as internists, these doctors often work as general practitioners. Patients see an internist for an annual checkup and diagnosis, as well as for treatment and management of acute and chronic illnesses (including prescriptions for medications). Preventive medicine and patient education are often emphasized.

Rheumatologist
Rheumatologists practice a branch of internal medicine or pediatrics that focuses on joint, muscle and bone disorders, including autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common conditions treated by rheumatologists include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, lupus and back pain. Diagnostic procedures can include patient history and physical examinations, X-rays and blood tests. In addition to evaluating and treating these ailments, many rheumatologists engage in research.

Pain management specialist
A pain management specialist uses a range of approaches to prevent, evaluate and treat pain disorders. Pain management specialists may be trained in a number of other specialties, including physical medicine and rehabilitation (also called physiatry) and anesthesiology, and may work alongside obstetricians and surgeons during childbirth and surgical procedures. Conditions treated by pain management specialists include pain from disease, such as cancer; post-operative pain; pain caused by an injury; or pain that is the condition itself, such as headaches or fibromyalgia. Treatment options may include oral or injected medications, therapy and counseling. Pain management specialists may also be trained in nontraditional forms of pain management, such as acupuncture.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, focuses on helping patients recover functionality after an illness or injury – for example, a stroke, sports injuries, spinal cord or brain injury, or flare-ups from arthritis or fibromyalgia. A physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist may use diagnostic tools such as nerve conduction studies (NCS), which measure the nerves’ responses to electrical stimulation, and needle electromyographies (EMGs), which assess the effects of needle electrodes on the muscles. Treatments include physical therapy, medication, orthotics and adaptive devices. Physiatrists may work with physical, occupational and speech therapists. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty training may be combined with pediatrics, neurology and internal medicine training.

Occupational medicine specialist
An occupational medicine specialist is trained in the study of work- or employment-related health and safety. In addition to knowledge of general medicine, occupational medicine specialists have in-depth knowledge of specific workplace conditions and often work with nurses and other health care professionals to adjust diagnoses and treatment according to the risks associated with the patient’s employment conditions. A subset of the occupational medicine specialty is occupational health psychology (OHP), which combines traditional health and safety factors with an exploration of work-related psychological factors that can have an impact on patients’ health. Occupational medicine specialists can be employed by specific companies or work in private practice, and may have training in labor law, environmental hazards and other subspecialties.

Psychologist
Psychologists are professionals who focus on patients’ mental and emotional health. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not typically physicians, but they usually hold a Ph.D. or other advanced academic degree. Patients may see a psychologist for a variety of issues, such as eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, but also may see one to discuss the emotional effects of chronic illness. Treatment options can include counseling or psychotherapy, although psychologists cannot prescribe medication. There are two branches of psychology: applied psychology, which refers to clinical practitioners who deal with patients; and research or investigational psychology, which involves the scholarly study and/or teaching about the human mind (such as cognition and behavior).

Massage therapist
A massage therapist applies pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, minimize pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.