Colorado Institute of Behavioral Medicine - Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Continuing eduction, Boulder, CO

Colorado Institute of Behavioral Medicine
GREG FREEDMAN MD, CCHt

MIND | BODY | SPIRIT
PSYCHOTHERAPY - HYPNOTHERAPY - TRAINING

OFFICE: 303.901.0983
FAX:303.494.1709
Boulder, CO 80307
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Programs for Patients

FIBROMYALGIA AND HYPNOTHERAPY

  • Improved Energy
  • Increased Comfort
  • Decreased Pain
  • More Alertness
  • Restful Sleep

About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a frustrating and little known illness. It is called an illness rather than a disease because there is no specific diagnostic test that confirms or denies it’s existence. It is a collection of confusing symptoms which come and go and vary in intensity. It’s chief characteristic are widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, stiffness, fatigue and non-restorative sleep. While it is not life-threatening, it can be as debilitating as rheumatoid arthritis.

Facts about FMS

  • A collection of symptoms without a known cause
  • Affects 5-10% of the population
  • Affects eight times more women than men
  • Strikes all ages
  • Is often found in the company of other related conditions, such as:
    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    • Spastic bladder (urge incontinence)
    • Headaches
    • Myofacial pain
    • Mitral valve prolapse
    • Chronic fatigue

Although the cause remains elusive, there are many common triggering events thought to precipitate the onset of the illness. These are:

  • Infection (viral or bacterial)
  • Automobile accidents
  • The development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism charge during the entire process

Traditional vs. Multi-disciplinary
Traditional treatments aim at improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain.
Recent research confirms that a multi-disciplinary approach to treating FMS provides the greatest relief from symptoms and the best prognosis. This approach includes:

  • Improving the quality of sleep
  • Proper nutrition
  • Physical conditioning
  • Deep relaxation
  • Positive mental imagery

No one modality has proven effective more than 40% of the time. However, by combining therapies, the patient can frequently return to a healthier state and a more active lifestyle.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help
The hypnotherapy program for FMS symptom alleviation is non-invasive and is designed to be used in conjunction with your physician’s treatment regimen.

The fibromyalgia program is a customized multi-session protocol that focuses on:

  • Relieving pain
  • Increasing restorative sleep
  • Boosting energy levels
  • Overcoming anxiety and depression
  • Improving concentration

Typical Sessions Include:

  • Relaxation
  • Calming the autonomic nervous system
  • Imagery and suggestions
  • Connection with inner resources
  • Working with body/mind integration

The Fibromyalgia treatment program designed to be used in conjunction with your physician(s) and is not intended as a replacement for conventional medical diagnosis and treatment.