Fibromyalgia: Geneva Programme

Widespread pain, crushing fatigue, brain fog? Fibromyalgia is not "all in your head." It is a measurable dysfunction of the central nervous system. At Centre Activate, we are developing an innovative approach that combines laser photobiomodulation and Giger MD neurorehabilitation to target the underlying mechanisms of the condition — not just its symptoms.

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Understanding fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects roughly 2–4 % of the population, predominantly women. It presents as widespread pain, deep fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive difficulties often described as "brain fog."

Research has identified a measurable dysfunction of the central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord process sensory signals with the "volume" turned up too high. Stimuli that should be harmless — light pressure, moderate exertion, a change in temperature — are interpreted as painful.

This phenomenon, known as central sensitisation, goes hand in hand with weakened natural pain-dampening systems and mitochondrial dysfunction — the power plants of our cells. The result: cells produce less energy, chronic low-grade inflammation sets in, and the autonomic nervous system falls out of balance.

This is why conventional treatments — painkillers, antidepressants — may ease symptoms but fail to address the underlying mechanisms. Our programme targets precisely those mechanisms.

Our approach: two complementary technologies

Rather than treating pain alone, we target fibromyalgia's two core dysfunctions with two technologies whose scientific rationale is robust and complementary.

Photobiomodulation (LLLT) — low-level laser therapy restarts cellular energy production, reduces inflammation and improves microcirculation. It acts directly on the mitochondria — right where the energy deficit begins.

Giger MD neurorehabilitation — coordinated four-limb movement resynchronises the spinal cord's neural networks. Think of it as a "bottom-up recalibration" of the nervous system, teaching it to process sensory signals correctly again.

Photobiomodulation: recharging your cells

Photobiomodulation (also known as LLLT — Low-Level Laser Therapy) uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. The principle: light is absorbed by a key mitochondrial enzyme — cytochrome c oxidase — which reignites the energy (ATP) production chain.

At Centre Activate we use a multi-wavelength transcutaneous system (through the skin, at the wrists) combining blue, green, red and infrared light. Each wavelength has a specific action:

• Red (660 nm) — activates mitochondria and improves microcirculation in neural structures

• Green (520 nm) — optimises red blood cells' oxygen-carrying capacity

• Blue (405–445 nm) — releases nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator and anti-inflammatory agent

• Infrared (808–980 nm) — penetrates deep into tissue to reach target structures

Curcumin, a natural compound from turmeric, is used as a photosensitiser: taken before the laser session, it is activated by blue light, amplifying its anti-inflammatory properties. This laser–curcumin synergy is one of the hallmarks of our approach.

Studies show that photobiomodulation can boost cellular ATP production by up to 150 % while reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation — two major components of fibromyalgia.

Giger MD: recalibrating the nervous system

The Giger MD is a Swiss medical neurorehabilitation device. Its principle rests on a fundamental neuroscience discovery: neurons act as "coincidence detectors." They fire only when multiple signals arrive simultaneously.

In fibromyalgia, sensory signals reach the central nervous system in a disorganised fashion, perpetuating hyperexcitability and pain amplification.

The Giger MD imposes coordinated, rhythmic movement of all four limbs simultaneously. In doing so, it forces the spinal cord's neural networks (the "spinal oscillators") to resynchronise. Signals become coherent again, gradually allowing the nervous system to restore normal sensory processing.

This is a "bottom-up" approach: it bypasses cognition and medication, acting directly on the basic neuromotor machinery. And because autonomic functions — sleep, digestion, temperature regulation — rely on the same networks, their improvement follows naturally.

The programme in practice

Phase 1: Comprehensive functional assessment

Evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, blood work and individual tolerance. Analysis of key biomarkers and identification of contributing factors.

Phase 2: Introduction (weeks 1–3)

Gradual start: photobiomodulation twice a week, Giger MD at an adapted intensity (10–15 minutes). The goal is to calibrate your individual response.

Phase 3: Intensive (weeks 4–9)

Increased frequency based on your tolerance: combined laser and Giger MD sessions. Targeted supplementation if indicated. Close symptom monitoring.

Phase 4: Consolidation

Gradual spacing of sessions (once a week, then fortnightly). Biomarker reassessment. Building patient autonomy.

Expected outcomes

This programme is experimental in its combination, yet each component is backed by solid scientific evidence. Based on the literature and our clinical experience with similar conditions (tinnitus, hyperacusis, electrosensitivity), expected outcomes include:

• Reduction in widespread pain — through decreased central sensitisation and increased natural endorphins

• Improved energy and reduced fatigue — through restored mitochondrial ATP production

• Better sleep — through autonomic nervous system regulation

• Reduced brain fog — through improved cerebral microcirculation and oxygenation

• Greater exercise tolerance — through progressive recalibration of sensorimotor integration

Results vary from person to person. Some patients may experience a temporary flare-up of symptoms during the first sessions — a sign that the nervous system is responding to stimulation. This reaction is common and generally short-lived.

Contraindications

What the research says

Our programme draws on a steadily growing body of evidence. Here are the key findings supporting our approach.

Yeh et al. (Pain Physician, 2019, meta-analysis) — 9 randomised controlled trials (325 patients): significant improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness, depression and anxiety compared with placebo. PubMed 31151332

De Oliveira et al. (Eur J Phys Rehabil Med, 2021) — review confirming that photobiomodulation offers a non-invasive, safe and side-effect-free method for pain relief in fibromyalgia. DOI 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07236-1

Ruaro et al. (Lasers Med Sci, 2014, randomised controlled trial) — significant improvement across all fibromyalgia symptoms after 4 weeks of laser treatment compared with placebo. DOI 10.1007/s10103-014-1566-8

Moshkovska & Mayberry (Postgrad Med J, 2005) — review of over 2,500 publications documenting ATP increases of up to 150 %, immune stimulation and analgesic effects of LLLT. PubMed 15998816

Regarding neurorehabilitation through coordinated movement (Giger MD), the evidence comes primarily from central nervous system injuries (over 100 documented patients showing improved coordination and autonomic function). Extrapolation to fibromyalgia rests on the shared mechanism of disorganised central sensory processing — a sound rationale that nevertheless awaits confirmation through dedicated studies. This is why we describe the programme as experimental.

Scientific references

Yeh SW et al. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2019;22(3):241-254. PubMed 31151332

De Oliveira MF et al. Low-intensity LASER and LED for pain control of musculoskeletal conditions. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2021;58(2):282-289. DOI 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07236-1

Ruaro JA et al. Low-level laser therapy to treat fibromyalgia. Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(6):1815-9. DOI 10.1007/s10103-014-1566-8

Moshkovska T, Mayberry J. It is time to test low level laser therapy in Great Britain. Postgrad Med J. 2005;81:436-441. PubMed 15998816

Schalow G, Zäch GA. Reorganization of the human central nervous system. Gen Physiol Biophys. 2000;19 Suppl 1:11-240. PubMed 11252267

Combo Ltd. GIGER MD® Therapy — Scientific bases of the GIGER MD® medical device. 2021, Lommiswil, Switzerland. gigermd.com