Acupuncture in Middlesbrough & Teesside
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia in Middlesbrough
Living with fibromyalgia can feel like carrying pain, exhaustion and fog that no one else can see. You are not imagining it, and you do not have to keep pushing through it on your own.
A calm, unhurried 1 hour 20 minute first appointment. No pressure, just a conversation about you.
★ 800+ five star reviews• BAcC registered• CNHC registered• Three Best Rated 2026
Written and clinically reviewed by Deanna Thomas, MBAcC · CNHC Registered · About the author
Last reviewed: 27 June 2026 · Next review due: 27 December 2026
If you are looking into acupuncture for fibromyalgia in Middlesbrough or the wider Teesside area, here is a clear place to begin. Acupuncture is one of the approaches some people living with fibromyalgia choose as part of their wider care. NICE recommends that a single course of acupuncture can be considered for chronic primary pain, the category fibromyalgia falls under. At our Middlesbrough clinic, we offer gentle, individualised acupuncture as supportive care, working alongside the treatment from your GP or rheumatology team, never instead of it.
Below, you will find what fibromyalgia is, what the research and guidelines actually say, how we work, and exactly what to expect if you decide to come in. Take your time. There is no rush here.
Key takeaways
- Fibromyalgia is a real, long term condition that affects how the nervous system processes pain. It is not a sign of damage to your muscles or joints.
- NICE recommends that a course of acupuncture can be considered for chronic primary pain, the category fibromyalgia falls under.
- Research into acupuncture for fibromyalgia is still developing. Some studies suggest short term improvements in pain and overall wellbeing, while evidence for symptoms such as fatigue and sleep is mixed.
- Acupuncture is considered safe when it is provided by a qualified, registered practitioner.
- Here, acupuncture is offered as gentle, supportive care alongside your medical team, with treatment adapted to how you feel on the day.
You have been carrying this for a long time
Many people arrive at our clinic after years of feeling unheard. The pain moves around. The tiredness is relentless. The brain fog makes you doubt yourself, and somewhere along the way you may have been made to feel that it is all in your head.
It is not. Fibromyalgia is real, and the way it affects your body is recognised by clinicians and researchers. You deserve care that starts by listening, not by rushing you toward a label or a leaflet.
If you would like to understand more about how persistent pain develops, you may find our guide on when pain becomes chronic helpful before you read on.
Is this the right fit for you?
We would rather be honest than oversell. Acupuncture here may suit you, or it may not, and we want you to feel clear either way.
This may be a good fit if
- You are looking for gentle, supportive care alongside your medical treatment
- You want to be listened to and treated as a whole person
- You are open to an individualised approach rather than a fixed routine
This may not be the right fit if
- You are hoping for a guaranteed cure, which no honest practitioner can offer
- You are looking to replace your GP or rheumatology care rather than complement it
- You want a single quick session rather than care that adapts over time
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome, is a long term condition whose main feature is pain felt widely across the body. It is understood as a change in the way the nervous system processes pain signals, rather than damage to the joints or muscles themselves.
As well as widespread pain, common symptoms include:
- Increased sensitivity to pain, where ordinary sensations can feel painful
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, which leads to deep fatigue
- Problems with concentration and memory, often described as fibro fog
- Headaches and, for some people, irritable bowel symptoms
- Low mood, worry or frustration, which often comes with living in persistent pain
Fibromyalgia is classified as chronic primary pain, meaning pain that has lasted more than three months without an underlying condition that fully accounts for it.
Why fibromyalgia pain behaves the way it does
One helpful way to picture fibromyalgia is to imagine that the body's pain volume has been turned up and will not turn back down on its own. Signals that would not normally register as painful are amplified, so everyday sensations can feel painful and existing pain feels louder.
This is why the pain can move, shift and vary from day to day, and why it does not follow the neat pattern of a single injury. Researchers describe this as a change in central pain processing. Understanding this matters, because it explains why a whole person approach, one that looks beyond a single sore spot, makes sense for a condition that affects the whole system.
Stress can make this amplification feel worse, something we explore in our article on how stress can affect pain.
How we use acupuncture as supportive care
At our Middlesbrough clinic, acupuncture for fibromyalgia is always individualised. Rather than applying one fixed routine to everyone, Deanna takes a full history and uses traditional whole systems acupuncture, supported by pulse and tongue assessment and AcuGraph channel scanning, to build a picture of you as a whole person.
Treatment is gentle and adapted to how you feel on the day. On a difficult flare day, that might mean a softer, calmer session. Researchers are still investigating how acupuncture may influence the nervous system, and we will always be honest with you about what is known and what is not.
The aim is simple. A calm space, an approach shaped around you, and care that sits alongside the treatment from your GP, rheumatology team, or NHS pain clinic, never instead of it. If you are already under any of those services, our approach is designed to complement what they offer. This is also part of our wider chronic pain acupuncture service in Middlesbrough.
What the evidence and guidelines say
We believe you deserve the real picture, not promises. Research into acupuncture for fibromyalgia is still developing, and the overall quality of the evidence is limited. Some studies suggest people may notice short term improvements in pain and overall wellbeing, while the evidence for symptoms such as fatigue and sleep is mixed and less certain.
Acupuncture is recognised within chronic pain care by national and international guidelines. NICE NG193 recommends that a single course of acupuncture can be considered for chronic primary pain, which includes fibromyalgia. EULAR (2017), the European body for rheumatology, also lists acupuncture as one option in fibromyalgia care, while noting that the evidence is limited and the effect is modest.
And importantly, acupuncture is considered safe when it is provided by a qualified, registered practitioner who follows professional safety standards.
Sources: NICE guideline NG193 (2021); Macfarlane GJ et al, EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia, Ann Rheum Dis 2017; British Acupuncture Council fibromyalgia factsheet (2023).
Still on the fence?
Ring the clinic and talk it through. We will be straight with you about whether acupuncture is likely to help your particular fibromyalgia picture, before you commit to anything.
Call 0800 593 2023Who we support
People come to us living with the full reality of fibromyalgia, not just one symptom. That often includes:
- Widespread, shifting pain across the body
- Deep fatigue and unrefreshing sleep
- Fibro fog that affects focus and memory
- Flare ups that make daily life unpredictable
- The stress and low mood that come with persistent pain
We offer acupuncture as supportive care for people living with these experiences. We do not promise outcomes, and we do not replace your medical care. What we offer is a steady, individualised approach and a practitioner who listens.
Conditions that often travel with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia rarely arrives alone. Many of the people we see are also navigating one or more related challenges, often connected through the same nervous system pattern. If any of these are part of your picture, we have dedicated information on each:
We see all of these as part of one nervous system trying to settle. Treatment is tailored to where your symptoms are pulling you on any given day.
Why choose our clinic
- Individualised, whole person acupuncture, never a one size fits all routine
- A registered, accredited practitioner you can trust
- Gentle treatment, adapted to your flare days
- Care that works alongside your GP and rheumatology team
- A calm, welcoming clinic in Middlesbrough with easy parking
- 800+ five star reviews from across Teesside
Meet your practitioner
Deanna Thomas, registered acupuncturist
Deanna is a registered acupuncturist based in Middlesbrough and the founder of Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing. She is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) and registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. The clinic is licensed by Middlesbrough Council and fully insured.
Deanna practises traditional, whole systems acupuncture, with a calm, person centred approach. Her focus is on understanding you as a whole person, so that your care is shaped around your life rather than a single diagnosis.
What to expect, step by step
Included in your first visitAcuGraph channel scanning
Most acupuncture clinics rely on the practitioner's subjective sense of how treatment is progressing. We use AcuGraph, a clinical scanning system that maps your meridian activity as a measurable baseline. You will see your scan at your first appointment, and we re-scan through your course of treatment so you can see how your body is responding in tangible terms.
AcuGraph complements traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis rather than replacing it.
1Your first conversation
Your initial Chronic Pain Consultation lasts 1 hour 20 minutes. We take a full history, talk through how fibromyalgia affects your daily life, and use AcuGraph scanning alongside pulse and tongue assessment. There is no rush and no pressure.
2An approach shaped around you
Together we agree an individualised plan that fits your symptoms, your energy and your life, and that sits comfortably alongside your existing medical care.
3Gentle, adapted treatment
Sessions are calm and gentle, with treatment adapted to how you feel on the day, including softer sessions during a flare.
4Reviewing together
We check in regularly so your care can adjust as you go. Follow up sessions are there for you at your own pace.
What you will walk away with from your first visit
- An AcuGraph picture of your energy channels, talked through with you
- An individualised plan shaped around your symptoms and your life
- The experience of being properly listened to, without being rushed
No surprises. No hidden costs. And because fibromyalgia responds best to consistent, ongoing acupuncture, we offer packages that make sustained treatment more affordable and predictable.
First Consultation & Treatment
£90
1 hr 20 min · first appointment
Full case history, AcuGraph scan, individualised plan, and your first acupuncture treatment, all in one unhurried session.
Book nowFollow-Up Treatment
£75
60 minutes · existing clients
Adapted to where you are on the day. On a difficult flare day, that might mean a softer, calmer session.
Book nowFortnightly Package
£130
per month · 2 sessions
£65 a session · save £20Two sessions a month for sustaining progress, or for those whose energy budget makes weekly visits hard.
Choose packageRecommended for fibromyalgiaWeekly Package
£260
per month · 4 sessions
£65 a session · save £40Weekly acupuncture gives the nervous system the consistent rhythm fibromyalgia responds best to. The pattern Deanna most often recommends.
Choose package Battlefield Course (flare day option)
£150
6 sessions · with Anthony
£25 a session · save £120A course of six ear-point sessions with Anthony. Seated, fully clothed, gentle. An option for flare days alongside Deanna's TCM treatment.
Choose coursePackages are paid monthly and can be paused or stopped between months. We will never pressure you into a commitment that doesn't feel right at your first consultation. Payment is taken at the time of booking. If you have private health insurance, it is worth checking with your provider, as some plans contribute toward acupuncture.
Worried about coming in?
Living with fibromyalgia raises real, practical worries about attending an appointment. Here is some reassurance before you book.
What if I have a flare and cannot make it?
We understand flare days happen. Please just let us know as early as you can and we will rearrange your appointment kindly.
Is the clinic accessible if my mobility is limited?
We will do all we can to make your visit comfortable. If you have specific access needs, call us on 0800 593 2023 before booking and we will talk it through.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal, as it allows easy access to acupuncture points. There is no need to prepare anything else.
What if I feel too unwell on the day?
Your wellbeing comes first. If you are not up to attending, contact us and we will reschedule. There is no pressure to push through.
What people say
★★★★★
800+ five-star reviews
across Google & Fresha · Three Best Rated 2026
★★★★★
I've had NADA acupuncture several times with Deanna and Anthony. Both are so lovely. From the initial consultation through to the treatment itself, the whole experience was really good. I keep coming back.
— Gemma W., Teesside
NADA ear acupuncture with both practitioners
★★★★★
Deanna is very empathetic and extremely knowledgeable. I've had cupping sessions with her for hip, lower back and leg nerve pain. She gently suggested acupuncture as well, and I've started a course. Chronic pain has had me in a constant state of stress, so being properly listened to has meant a lot.
— Gill, Teesside
Cupping & acupuncture for chronic pain
★★★★★
I came to see Deanna with sciatica running down my left hip, thigh, calf and leg. The first acupuncture appointment was unlike anything I'd tried before. Deanna is very approachable, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
— Carole H., Teesside
Acupuncture for sciatica
Reviews paraphrased from real Google reviews. Outcome wording removed for ASA compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture help with fibromyalgia?
Research into acupuncture for fibromyalgia is still developing. Some studies suggest people may notice short term improvements in pain and overall wellbeing, while evidence for symptoms such as fatigue and sleep is mixed. Acupuncture is recognised as one option to consider within chronic pain care by guidelines including NICE, and we offer it as gentle, supportive care alongside your medical team.
Does acupuncture help with fibromyalgia fatigue and fibro fog?
This is an area where the research is more limited and less certain than for pain. For that reason we focus on supporting you as a whole person rather than promising specific results. Many people value having a calm, regular point of care while living with these symptoms.
Is acupuncture safe if I take medication for fibromyalgia?
Acupuncture is considered safe when provided by a qualified, registered practitioner, and it is offered here as complementary care that works alongside your prescribed treatment, not as a replacement. We always encourage you to stay in contact with your GP and rheumatology team.
Will it hurt if I am very sensitive to touch or in a flare?
Acupuncture uses very fine needles, and many people feel little when they are inserted. Treatment is adapted to how you feel on the day, so on a flare day we can keep your session gentler and calmer.
How many sessions might I need?
This varies from person to person, and we will talk it through honestly at your first appointment rather than asking you to commit to a long course up front. Your plan is reviewed as you go.
How much does fibromyalgia acupuncture cost in Middlesbrough?
Your initial Chronic Pain Consultation is £90 for 1 hour 20 minutes, and follow up sessions are £75. You can see availability and book online at any time.
Can I have acupuncture alongside my GP or rheumatology care?
Yes. We see acupuncture as supportive care that complements your medical treatment. We are always happy for your wider care team to be part of the picture.
Do you offer ear acupuncture for fibromyalgia?
This page focuses on traditional body acupuncture with Deanna. If you are interested in ear based approaches, you can read about our separate ear acupuncture service in Middlesbrough.
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Not quite ready to book?
That is completely okay. If you would like to ask a question or talk things through first, we are happy to help with no obligation.
Visiting us: Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing is at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP. We welcome people living with fibromyalgia from across Middlesbrough, Stockton, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Marton, Thornaby, Darlington and the wider Teesside area. Call 0800 593 2023 or book online.
A gentle next step, whenever you feel ready
You do not have to keep pushing through alone. If you would like calm, individualised acupuncture as part of your fibromyalgia care here in Middlesbrough, you are welcome to book a first consultation in your own time.
A relaxed 1 hour 20 minute first appointment, with space to ask anything.
Wellness grows where energy flows.