Our Comprehensive Fibromyalgia Program was designed by a physician to provide a complete stepwise treatment for fibromyalgia. This includes treatment by trained physical and occupational therapists that is coordinated with medical care. Psychological support and training by health care professionals with experience in treating people with fibromyalgia is also available. Each program is custom tailored to the patient and thus may or may not include all options, depending upon the unique needs of the individual.

By the the time you are finished with this program, you are able to TAKE CHARGE of your fibromyalgia.

How do I become a participant in the Comprehensive Fibromyalgia Program?

Contact Information:

Turning Point Rehabilitation Center
St. Mary Medical Center
401 W. Poplar / P.O. Box 1477
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
(509) 522-5821

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a constellation of different symptoms including chronic diffuse muscle and joint pain, unrefreshing sleep, and chronic fatigue. Medications and environmental changes can help improve our sleep and decrease muscle pain, but often patients with fibromyalgia are so run down and have such poor endurance that even minor exertion may cause a flare-up of symptoms. Thus, once the symptoms are improved, patients need a gentle exercise program to improve their strength, flexibility, and endurance. People with fibromyalgia also frequently suffer from a number of other problems, such as depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and difficulty dealing with their chronic pain. This can be helped with psychological support and training. They may also have other medical problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, headaches, muscle spasms, poor memory, irritability, and a number of other symptoms. Fortunately, many of these improve as the main symptoms of fibromyalgia are brought under control.

Do I have to take all aspects of the program?

No. You choose what you need, in conjunction with your physician. We may make recommendations, but you decide what aspects you feel you need the most at this time. You can always come back at a later time and pick up other sections if you decide you need them.

The Physical Therapist will first help you control your symptoms of pain and aching before progressing into the rest of the program. Then comes the gentle stretching and strengthening phase to help you recover your strength and endurance. Finally, you are taught exercises and stretches to be used at home to continue your recovery, as well as how to handle flare-ups. If needed, a warm pool program or health spa exercise program will also be set up and monitored closely as you progress throught the program.

The Occupational Therapist will help you learn energy conservation techniques to extend your energy and proper body mechanics to use at work and in general activities of daily living. If needed, they will also evaluate your work and home environment to make it more user friendly. Relaxation techniques can be learned to help control your symptoms as well as improve your sleep habits.

Psychological Support & Training is done by experienced professionals with a special interest in people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. These include both a Ph.D psychologist and a medical family therapist. They are able to teach you coping skills, assertiveness, and how to deal with the losses associated with fibromyalgia. Special visualizations, relaxation exercises and biofeedback training can also be learned to reduce your pain and increase your energy. The support team will also work with family members to help them understand and assist in the managment of this painful problem.

Medical Care is coordinated with our program through a special report card that is shared by your physician and our staff. With each visit to us, we update it with respect to any medication or other changes made by your physician. We also note where you are in the program and return the report to your physician, so that he or she may follow your progress and be aware of any changes or improvements as they occur.

Will this cure my fibromyalgia?

No. Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia at this time. However, this program is set up to first decrease your symptoms and increase your strength, then teach you how to take charge of any flare-ups that may occur after you have completed the program. This will enable you to enjoy life more and visit your physician and other health care providers less!

Will my insurance pay for the complete program?

This varies according to your individual insurance program. Our office staff are trained in these sometimes complicated matters and will be glad to obtain any pre-authorization that is needed. We will do our best to answer these questions before you start.