Control Your Pain
Do you struggle with chronic pain that impacts every aspect of your life – work, home, family and friends? If so, you may have a condition called fibromyalgia. By learning more about fibromyalgia, you’ll be better equipped to manage your pain.
The Lancaster General Fibromyalgia Program features specially trained staff members that use the latest research and techniques to teach you how to manage the complex symptoms of fibromyalgia. Our comprehensive approach includes a team assessment and creation of a treatment plan developed just for you.
Because of the complexities of this condition, it may take some time until you experience improvement in your symptoms. Please be patient throughout the evaluation and treatment process.
Assessment & Treatment
Patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be referred directly to the Lancaster General Fibromyalgia Program by their physician. Clinicians and therapists evaluate the scope of the disorder and its impact on your life.
Depending on the request of the referring physician, a fibromyalgia nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist may all be part of the treatment team. After your initial evaluation, you’ll receive a follow-up plan of care. If your assessment indicates that alternative treatments beyond the scope of our program would be of benefit to you, we will make a recommendation to both you and your physician.
Role of Treatment Team Members
Nurses
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Guide you in the self-management of your condition through lifestyle changes that include exercise, diet, sleep hygiene, stress reduction, relaxation training, leisure activities and pacing.
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Provide health counseling and specific interventions for other conditions associated with fibromyalgia.
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Refer you to health and community resources for support, medical care, vocational counseling and education.
Physical Therapists
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Evaluate your range of motion, strength, endurance, posture, body mechanics and efficiency of movement.
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Work with you to develop increased motion and a stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercise program.
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Provide education about specific pain management techniques, postures and positioning.
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Use specific short-term manual therapy techniques.
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Instruct you on alternative movement patterns and other exercise programs that may include aquatics, which can enhance tolerance.
Occupational Therapists
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Evaluate and provide treatment including instruction in pacing and time management, body mechanics, adaptive equipment, splints and modalities you can use to decrease hand and wrist pain, as well as develop memory compensation strategies.
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Work with you to increase your level of functioning in daily activities such as self-care, homemaking, work skills, ergonomics and other activities that may be compromised by your condition.
Psychologists
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Assess your emotional well-being and coping style.
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Offer individual therapy for training in behavioral management of pain in areas such as biofeedback relaxation, activity-rest cycling, self advocacy, thinking errors that interfere with coping, and dealing with loss.
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Refer you to appropriate resources if emotional distress significantly interferes with your normal daily
functioning.
Referrals
A referral from your primary care physician is required for assessment and treatment. A prescription from your physician is also needed for physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychology. Your physician may request additional diagnostic testing or medical management. We work collaboratively with Rheumatology Associates of Lancaster and can assist you in setting up an appointment if necessary.
Insurance
Evaluations are billed individually. Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover physical and occupational therapy evaluations. However, psychology coverage may vary. Contact your insurance carrier for specifics on coverage.
To schedule an appointment, please call Lancaster General Pain Management at (717) 544-3197.