Fibromyalgia

Collective Health Center serves those with fibromyalgia who are frustrated with not getting the time or help they needed to feel better and those looking to address the underlying root cause(s) of their health concerns. Our focus is on health restoration, not just treating symptoms. We take time to listen to the whole story, answer questions and educate. Dr. Sarah, as a medically-trained naturopathic doctor seamlessly, combines time honored therapies from naturopathic and East Asian Medicine with modern, conventional approaches. 

How do you support people with fibromyalgia at Collective Health Center?

You have heard of fibromyalgia, but did you know there are seven distinct pain patterns found among people who are diagnosed with it? Fibromyalgia is oftentimes described (or first experienced) as a constant, dull headache that doesn’t seem to ever go away. While there are many different pain patterns found, the two that I most commonly see in my practice are wide-spread muscle pain and hyperalgesia.

Fibromyalgia pain that affects both sides of the body both above and below the waist, is considered wide-spread. This pain pattern affects the whole body – everywhere hurts at almost all times of the day. The second most common pain pattern I see is hyperalgesia, where the level of pain does not add up. In other words, the nervous system is so hyperresponsive to even the slightest pain – so what might be minor pain for others can feel like a major injury for those with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). In addition to pain, a lot of my patients with FMS also have irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, chronic fatigue, and depression.

 

,As is with a lot of chronic illnesses the standard approach to FMS is to optimize nutrition and lifestyle. However, keeping an active lifestyle is extremely important for people with FMS. A lot of the time, people with FMS stop moving altogether due to the pain which can result in worsening symptoms. But on the other hand movement, specifically graded exercise, has been studied to show decreased pain and increased mobility in those with FMS. Certainly, exercise help those with FMS move their bodies easier and with less pain, but it also has beneficial effects on symptoms of depression.

Our Approach to Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that can really cause a lot of dis-ease on a person as a whole. This is certainly where a holistic approach to care may be the best option. Moreover a whole person, naturopathic approach considers all factors that go on in the patient’s life both physically, mentally, and environmentally. Naturopathic doctors, such as myself, consider how FMS is affecting the body moving and functioning, a person’s emotional well-being and social supports, and the environment the person is living in. For instance, although it is rare, I have seen out of the ordinary cases where Epstein-Barr Virus and mold toxicity in the home were obvious triggers of the patient’s FMS.

In short, a holistic approach like mine will help patients to understand the whys of their illness and work with me to create the hows of making it better. Finally, despite mixed reviews in the literature, I have seen acupuncture provide great symptomatic relief for some of my patients with Fibromyalgia. Interested? Whether you’re ready to dive into helping your FMS or interested in learning more about what plans are available at Collective Health Center, contact me today! 

fibromyalgia

We're Here Whenever You Need Us

Phone

571.314.0705

Open Hours

Mon - Wed: 10AM - 07PM
Thu - Sat: 08AM - 06PM
Tuesday 8:30 am to 3 pm

Address

215 Depot Court Leesburg, Virginia, 20175