Thursday

Behavioral therapy and fibromyalgia

Michael VanElzakker, a Tufts neuroscientist, says "that while behavioral therapies are not curative and may only apply to a subset of patients, they can help moderate symptoms and improve quality of life in some." This is the same man that has proposed a good theory for the cause of Fibromyalgia as explained here by Cort Johnson.

The above statement by Michael VanElzakker explains why some people who have Fibromyalgia do get improvement when trying certain therapies and why some people get no improvement in their symptoms. 

Behavioral therapies include many different techniques and therapies including: 

  • Anxiety Management Training
  • Behavior management 
  • Behavior modification
  • Cognitive Emotional Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy 
  • Self talk Identification
  • Habit reversal training which includes relaxation training.


In some people with fibro these therapies have helped them reduce pain and improve their mood, amongst other things. The treatment programs usually focus on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors and how they all influence each other. These therapies are taught by psychotherapists, psychologists and other trained practitioners.

Have you tried any of these therapies?

Find out more about Cognitive behavioural Therapy in this calming and informative video by Jessica S.Campbell a psychotherapist.




RESOURCES: 
See more about VanElzakker theories about Fibro/CFS at Simmaron Research 
Cognitive behavioural therapies for fibromyalgia.