Many of them had previously been considered treatment failures elsewhere following extended and expensive treatment with no significant improvement. The Clinic's patient population represented in this outcome study consists of a mix of patients with varying degrees of physical and psychological complaints, varying degrees of motivation, and many who have been on disability for years. In assessing the results of a therapeutic program directed towards fibromyalgia, it is important to recognize that fibromyalgia is not an objective disease, but rather a subjective illness. Laboratory studies and X-rays are of no value in determining the extent of pain or other symptoms that patients experience. We believe that the effectiveness of a treatment program should be based in large degree on the patient's perception of whether or not their pain and other symptoms have improved, and the effect on their increased ability to function in the home and workplace.
Patient perception is an important factor in understanding patient satisfaction and improvement.
If a patient perceives that his or her symptoms have improved, this will result in a better sense of well being, a decrease in disability, fewer visits to the physician's office and a decreased utilization of other medical services. The Fibromyalgia Team Members are trained and licensed professionals skilled in Physical Therapy, Biotherapy and Psychological evaluation and counseling. To participate, a patient must be evaluated and treated as necessary by all three therapeutic disciplines. The progress of all patients attending the Fibromyalgia Clinic is reviewed at weekly staff meetings, attended by the Team Members, the Case Manager and Dr. Davidson, Medical Director. The program consists of visits at least 2 times a week for 8 weeks with all Team Members.