Fibromyalgia is an underserved condition that is frequently misunderstood. Healthcare providers often lack understanding and awareness about the condition and how fibromyalgia is diagnosed remains a question with uncertain answers. Patients may often be told their pain is "all in their head" or that they are "just stressed out." Dr. Liptan believes that healthcare providers need to listen to their patients and educate themselves about fibromyalgia and its treatments. Addressing the gap that exists in fibromyalgia care is a complex exercise. The lack of awareness and education among healthcare providers about the range of treatments available beyond FDA-approved medications, such as antidepressants and nerve transmission modifiers, is a key challenge in managing fibromyalgia. Plus, the variability of symptoms and stigmatization often add to these challenges.
Fibromyalgia:
An Underserved
Condition
Dr. Ginevra Liptan's Integrative Approach: A New Way Forward for Fibromyalgia Care
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects around 2-4% of the population, and it is more common in women than men. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, and there is no cure for the condition as of yet. Plus, the diagnostic process for fibromyalgia can be challenging and providers often struggle with finding the right resources that bring in evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment as effective methods of treatment. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as a psychological condition, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. Within this context, Dr. Ginevra Liptan’s work on integrative treatment for fibromyalgia has been groundbreaking. Let’s take a plunge into Dr. Liptan’s work.
Who is Dr. Ginevra Liptan?
Dr. Ginevra Liptan is a pioneer in evidence-based and integrative treatment for fibromyalgia. She is an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation and specializes in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. Dr. Liptan is also the author of "The Fibromanual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor." and the founder and Medical Director of The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia.
Dr. Liptan's Journey
Dr. Liptan's personal experience with fibromyalgia inspired her to focus on fibromyalgia as an area of study. She experienced widespread pain and fatigue during medical school, leading to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the limited treatment options available at the time were inadequate which prompted her to chart her own path. She eventually discovered alternative treatments such as myofascial release and acupuncture, which helped her manage her symptoms. Today, her mission is to empower patients to take control of their health and educate healthcare providers about non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia.
Dr. Ginevra Liptan's Integrative Approach: A New Way Forward for Fibromyalgia Care
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms. According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects around 2-4% of the population, and it is more common in women than men. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, and there is no cure for the condition as of yet. Plus, the diagnostic process for fibromyalgia can be challenging and providers often struggle with finding the right resources that bring in evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment as effective methods of treatment. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as a psychological condition, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. Within this context, Dr. Ginevra Liptan’s work on integrative treatment for fibromyalgia has been groundbreaking. Let’s take a plunge into Dr. Liptan’s work.
Who is Dr. Ginevra Liptan?
Dr. Ginevra Liptan is a pioneer in evidence-based and integrative treatment for fibromyalgia. She is an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation and specializes in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. Dr. Liptan is also the author of "The Fibromanual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor." and the founder and Medical Director of The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia.
Dr. Liptan's Journey
Dr. Liptan's personal experience with fibromyalgia inspired her to focus on fibromyalgia as an area of study. She experienced widespread pain and fatigue during medical school, leading to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the limited treatment options available at the time were inadequate which prompted her to chart her own path. She eventually discovered alternative treatments such as myofascial release and acupuncture, which helped her manage her symptoms. Today, her mission is to empower patients to take control of their health and educate healthcare providers about non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia.
If you want to learn more about the current trends and developments in fibromyalgia treatment, we invite you to join the PREMUS, WDPI, and MYOPAIN 2023 which features Dr. Liptan and some of the best and brightest minds in scientific research, ergonomics, and occupational health! Register now at premus2023.com and be a part of the next generation of healthcare.
Dr. Liptan's integrative approach to fibromyalgia treatment includes a combination of conventional and alternative therapies. One of the key treatments Dr. Liptan recommends is myofascial release, which has been shown to provide significant and lasting pain relief for fibromyalgia patients. She focuses on treatment that works on fascial tension- the Myofascial Release. The term fibromyalgia is composed of two elements; “fibro”- meaning connective tissue and “myalgia”- meaning muscle pain. Muscle pains are a critical marker of fibromyalgia, hence, myofascial release comes out as an effective approach to reducing pain related to fibromyalgia.
Movement is at the heart of our existence as humans and even though the first instinct for someone who is experiencing chronic pain is to not move, it is often counterproductive for pain related to fibromyalgia. Myofascial release is a gentle hands-on therapy that involves applying sustained pressure to soft tissue to release tension and improve mobility. Dr. Liptan explains the science behind the myofascial release and the importance of prolonged, assisted stretching to release fascial tension and soften the tissue. While access to myofascial release therapy can be limited and costly, Dr. Liptan also emphasizes the value of self-care and provides guidance on simple techniques patients can do at home, such as using foam rollers or massage balls.
Dr. Liptan's Integrative
Approach
Dr. Ginevra Liptan's work in developing integrative treatments for fibromyalgia is vital for the millions of people who suffer from this condition. Her approach emphasizes non-pharmacological treatments and a holistic approach to health. We had a chance to speak with her about her work and research in a recent interview. Here are a few questions that have been addressed in the interview:
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What makes Myofascial Release different from massage and other physical treatments.?
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How can evidence-based fibromyalgia care pave the way for empowering patients?
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In the wake of Covid and long-Covid, how has the discourse around fibromyalgia changed?
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Could fibromyalgia be linked to immune system abnormalities?
This knowledge can make a vital difference in how a provider approaches the treatment of Fibromyalgia and this by extension can change the lives of millions of patients for the better.