Psychological HealthCare, P.L.L.C.

The Solution: Coaching

Lifestyle management is the only agreed upon treatment with any successful results. Patients with fibromyalgia seem to benefit from organizing their lives to include stretching and (usually moderate and low impact) exercise, sleep hygiene, relaxation and meditation, and general stress management.

The stress management program for fibromyalgia is similar to that used with other behavioral medicine patients such as asthmatics, hypertensives, and pain sufferers. However, there is an added dimension to the work with fibromyalgia patients that other programs fail to include. Working with a coach who is knowledgeable about the particular characteristics and life problems typical of those suffering with fibromyalgia gives people hope, helps them see options and regain control over their lives. I will explain more about this below.

Shown in the description of the average Fibromyalgia patient are issues for most of the fibromyalgia patients with whom I have worked, and represent only some of their very doable lifestyle changes. Making the lifestyle modifications indicated above enhances immune functioning by decreasing internal and external stressors. So a coach can help the fibromyalgia patient learn to decrease her pain and fatigue through making a plan to accomplish these lifestyle changes.

I love working with fibromyalgia patients. If you are interested in discussing how coaching can help you live life with fibromyalgia more fully, contact Dr. Fish.