Fibromyalgia is a physical disorder that causes chronic pain and discomfort. George P. Glaser, LCSW treats patients with fibromyalgia in Austin, Texas. Using psychotherapy, including hypnosis, can help improve functionality and decrease pain, without using pain medications.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that’s associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain and muscle tenderness. More than 3 million adults in the US are diagnosed with fibromyalgia every year. Research suggests that the pain of fibromyalgia is increased by the way the brain processes signals of pain responses. The cause of this physical disorder is not completely known however, the symptoms of fibromyalgia often stem from a physical trauma, psychological stress, infection, or surgery. Some individuals suffer from a gradual increase of symptoms without any obvious trigger for the disorder and women are more likely to have fibromyalgia compared to men.
Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia experience an array of symptoms associated with muscle pain. Patients can struggle with fatigue and lack of sleep due to constant muscle pain and tenderness. Lack of sleep can also affect the patient’s mood and memory. Other associated symptoms of fibromyalgia include tension headaches, TMJ disorders, anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia can’t be cured, but it can be treated using medications, stress reduction, and talk therapy in the form of psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy as ways to combat the symptoms. Other techniques include exercise, stress reduction, and relaxation as remedies for reducing the triggers of this painful disorder.
Working with a therapist is one way to treat fibromyalgia pain. Clinical hypnosis helps by improving the brain’s ability to control pain. Since fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by an inability to process pain signals by the brain, hypnotherapy can retrain the mind to process these signals more efficiently. As a result, an individual can become better capable of handling pain signals, which can lead to reduced feelings of pain and tenderness in the musculoskeletal system and overall greater comfort.
I participate in the following managed care plans. Feel free to inquire about any that are not shown. Additionally, plans such as PPOs provide for coverage of out-of-network practitioners. Check with the customer service number listed on your insurance card for information about out-of-network coverage, deductible/copayment amounts, and yearly session limits.
