Fibromyalgia and Treatment Methods
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Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder that causes widespread, agonizing discomfort and tenderness, chronic fatigue, muscle stiffness and/or spasms, numbness or tingling sensations to extremities, hypersensitivity to touch or pressure, and a host of other symptoms that affect the tissue and muscles. It can be physically, psychologically and emotionally debilitating. In spite of popular belief and general misunderstanding, fibromyalgia is not a form of arthritis. Although it is classified as a rheumatic disease, it is very different than arthritis, as it does not result in joint inflammation or damage. As yet, fibromyalgia has no identifiable cause.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
Diagnosis is determined by 18 trigger points on the patient’s body that are evaluated and assessed by a physician for pain. Unfortunately, those who suffer from fibromyalgia often present with other symptoms that are similar to mental health disorders like depression, trauma or stress-related issues, anxiety, lack of motivation and other indications that point to psychological wellness. Symptoms may be present for extended periods and then mysteriously disappear for weeks or months. Attention-related issues, learning ability, and memory may be affected. Various risk factors associated with the development of fibromyalgia (abuse history, stress) mirror the development of mental health disorders, making diagnosis tricky. There is continued discourse surrounding the broad variety of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and the possibility that some of them may be psychosomatic. As a result, someone diagnosed with fibromyalgia may receive a co-occurring disorder diagnosis. Women sufferers outnumber men by a ratio of 7:1.
Solving the Fibromyalgia Paradigm
Currently, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia. Management of the many symptoms (and potential associative disorders) is key. Physical therapy and exercise, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – a form of psychotherapy) and medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or anti-depressants are a recommended part of the protocol triad to effectively manage the physical, emotional and mental pain of this disorder creates. Additionally, therapies like acupuncture, ultrasound, electric nerve stimulation, and music or art therapy have been introduced to improve the symptoms and outlook of those afflicted. A holistic and clinical approach is part of the treatment protocol we provide at 1 Method Center because we know that together, they work.
Specialized Care for Fibromyalgia at 1 Method
1 Method specializes in treating clients from the inside out. We tailor treatment for the individual, not for the label of the disease. We employ cutting edge techniques and therapies to break through the noise that is left behind by old-school standard treatments that don’t work with the individual. You may be one of many who suffer from fibromyalgia, dual diagnosis, addiction, or other diseases but there is only one of you. We work with you one-on-one to help you find your way back to who you are meant to be. Take the first steps. Learn more about why people choose us for treatment.
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Dr. Brooke Gilbertsen is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the field of mental health since 2011 and specifically co-occurring disorders since 2013. Brooke brings her knowledge, experience, and compassion to support clients and their loved ones on their journey toward recovery, health, and holistic healing. Brooke has experience working with a wide range of diagnoses from severe mental illness and personality disorders to depression and anxiety, and believes the underlying cause must be treated in order for freedom from addiction to occur. Brooke treats the whole person, considering mental health diagnoses, genetics, neuropsychology, the context of the family and environment, social relationships, trauma and loss, vulnerability, shame, and self-worth. Brooke applies a wide range of evidenced-based modalities, incorporating mindfulness, spirituality, and psychodynamic approaches to assist clients in the healing process. Brooke is passionate about helping her patients discover the best version of themselves, with a renewed sense of freedom, purpose, and meaning. The model is to build a life that you want to show up to, and don’t need a vacation from.
Brooke completed her B.A. in Psychology in 2008 from San Diego State University. She obtained her M.A. Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2013 from Argosy University, and received her Doctorate in Psychology in 2016 from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is the author of The Impact of Mindfulness on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients, published in 2017. Brooke has been the keynote speaker for lectures on addiction, and is passionate about helping others find their way as they take the courageous journey toward self-growth.