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Figuring Out Fibromyalgia: Current Science and the Most Effective Treatments
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that affects 6–10 million people in the United States. Huge progress in research over the past decade has established dysfunction in sleep, pain, and the stress response in fibromyalgia. Current research suggests that the muscle pain of fibromyalgia may be generated from the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding each muscle of the body.
As medical understanding of fibromyalgia has increased, so have our treatment options. With the unique perspective of a physician studying fibromyalgia “from the inside,” Dr. Liptan explains the most up-to-date science and guides you to the most effective treatments from both conventional and alternative medicine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ginevra Liptan, MD, is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, and is board-certified in internal medicine. After developing fibromyalgia as a medical student, she spent many years using herself as a guinea pig in a search for effective treatments. She is now medical director of the Frida Center for Fibromyalgia, and an associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University.
As medical understanding of fibromyalgia has increased, so have our treatment options. With the unique perspective of a physician studying fibromyalgia “from the inside,” Dr. Liptan explains the most up-to-date science and guides you to the most effective treatments from both conventional and alternative medicine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ginevra Liptan, MD, is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, and is board-certified in internal medicine. After developing fibromyalgia as a medical student, she spent many years using herself as a guinea pig in a search for effective treatments. She is now medical director of the Frida Center for Fibromyalgia, and an associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University.
- GenresHealthNonfictionMedical
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Ginevra Liptan
7 books59 followersGinevra Liptan, M.D. is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, board-certified in internal medicine, and trained in functional medicine, a holistic approach that blends both western and alternative medicine. After developing fibromyalgia as a medical student, Dr. Liptan spent many years using herself as guinea pig to find successful treatments, and has fine-tuned her approach by treating thousands of patients.
She is one of the few clinical specialists in the world to focus solely on fibromyalgia, and directs The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia in Portland, Oregon. She also serves as medical advisor to the Fibromyalgia Information Foundation and is on the board for the non-profit Mastering Pain Institute.
She is the author of The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor and Figuring out Fibromyalgia: Current Science and the Most Effective Treatments.
She is one of the few clinical specialists in the world to focus solely on fibromyalgia, and directs The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia in Portland, Oregon. She also serves as medical advisor to the Fibromyalgia Information Foundation and is on the board for the non-profit Mastering Pain Institute.
She is the author of The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor and Figuring out Fibromyalgia: Current Science and the Most Effective Treatments.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 25, 2015
As a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping women with fibromyalgia, I obviously read a lot of information on the subject. Figuring Out Fibromyalgia by Dr. Ginevra Liptan is definitely one of the best books I’ve read. In fact, I liked it so much, I’m going to give away a signed copy! Visit my blog for details.
One of the things that impressed me most about Dr. Liptan’s book is that she includes both traditional western and CAM (complimentary and alternative medicine) approaches. Most books I read really lean one way or the other. As someone who has suffered from fibromyalgia myself — and come through the other side, like Dr. Liptan — I know first hand the value in both sides of that debate! Fibromyalgia is best treated with a mixture of therapies, not with one magic bullet.
I love the personal touch that Dr. Liptan provides by sharing her own journey of sickness and healing. It lent an authenticity to the book that would not have been there otherwise. It is much easier to believe someone who has “been there, done that” than it is to believe someone who has never walked in your shoes. Dr. Liptan is one of those people you can believe.
I was also fascinated by Dr. Liptan’s theory that the pain we feel in fibromyalgia is caused by the fascia: the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding them together. This really rings true to me. One of the most effective treatments I’ve received for some of my deeper leg pains has been with a massage therapist using a cupping technique, working on the deeper layers of fascia.
The only area that was a little less than clear is where Dr. Liptan discusses some of the treatments that, in her opinion, aren’t very effective. Though she didn’t state it, I came to the conclusion that she meant that these treatments are ineffective for everyone with fibromyalgia. For example, looking at studies for thyroid or magnesium treatments fibromyalgia, I definitely agree that not everyone who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia would improve by being treated with magnesium or thyroid — because not everyone would necessarily be low in either. However, low thyroid can cause lower body pain and fatigue, while magnesium deficiency can cause tight muscles. If a person is hypothyroid or deficient in magnesium, then treating these will absolutely improve their symptoms.
In my case, I had an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. My regular TSH levels looked normal, but my immune system was attacking my thyroid, essentially trying to kill it. When I found a doctor who knew what to look and test for, we discovered the disorder and I was treated. My energy level improved greatly, along with my pain level. I suppose you could argue that the fatigue and pain that improved was not fibro pain or fatigue, but I’m not going to complain about how I got to feeling better! Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? , by Datis Kharrazian is a great place to start learning more about undiagnosed thyroid disorders.
All in all, Figuring Out Fibromyalgia is a fantastic book. It contains great information for the newly diagnosed and for those of us who are more educated on the subject. I highly recommend it as a must-read for anyone interested in keeping up-to-date on fibromyalgia.
One of the things that impressed me most about Dr. Liptan’s book is that she includes both traditional western and CAM (complimentary and alternative medicine) approaches. Most books I read really lean one way or the other. As someone who has suffered from fibromyalgia myself — and come through the other side, like Dr. Liptan — I know first hand the value in both sides of that debate! Fibromyalgia is best treated with a mixture of therapies, not with one magic bullet.
I love the personal touch that Dr. Liptan provides by sharing her own journey of sickness and healing. It lent an authenticity to the book that would not have been there otherwise. It is much easier to believe someone who has “been there, done that” than it is to believe someone who has never walked in your shoes. Dr. Liptan is one of those people you can believe.
I was also fascinated by Dr. Liptan’s theory that the pain we feel in fibromyalgia is caused by the fascia: the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding them together. This really rings true to me. One of the most effective treatments I’ve received for some of my deeper leg pains has been with a massage therapist using a cupping technique, working on the deeper layers of fascia.
The only area that was a little less than clear is where Dr. Liptan discusses some of the treatments that, in her opinion, aren’t very effective. Though she didn’t state it, I came to the conclusion that she meant that these treatments are ineffective for everyone with fibromyalgia. For example, looking at studies for thyroid or magnesium treatments fibromyalgia, I definitely agree that not everyone who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia would improve by being treated with magnesium or thyroid — because not everyone would necessarily be low in either. However, low thyroid can cause lower body pain and fatigue, while magnesium deficiency can cause tight muscles. If a person is hypothyroid or deficient in magnesium, then treating these will absolutely improve their symptoms.
In my case, I had an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. My regular TSH levels looked normal, but my immune system was attacking my thyroid, essentially trying to kill it. When I found a doctor who knew what to look and test for, we discovered the disorder and I was treated. My energy level improved greatly, along with my pain level. I suppose you could argue that the fatigue and pain that improved was not fibro pain or fatigue, but I’m not going to complain about how I got to feeling better! Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? , by Datis Kharrazian is a great place to start learning more about undiagnosed thyroid disorders.
All in all, Figuring Out Fibromyalgia is a fantastic book. It contains great information for the newly diagnosed and for those of us who are more educated on the subject. I highly recommend it as a must-read for anyone interested in keeping up-to-date on fibromyalgia.
January 21, 2013
As someone recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, this book helped me to understand what's happening in my body and helped guide me in the confusion of which alternative treatments might actually work and which ones to ignore. Thank you Dr. Liptan!
March 17, 2024
Biased
Provides biased summaries of various fibromyalgia treatments. Dismisses some theories and spends extensive time on others. There are better books.
Provides biased summaries of various fibromyalgia treatments. Dismisses some theories and spends extensive time on others. There are better books.
February 15, 2019
This book was most helpful in helping me understand the body chemistry and nature of my newly acquired fibromyalgia, and choose treatments and therapies that helped me to a CURE. Recommended therapies that were especially helpful to me were acupuncture and myofascial release massage. My fibromyalgia was cured by use of weekly Advanced Integrative Therapy sessions for four months. See also: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD. Brain, Mind and BOdy in the Healing of Trauma.
December 29, 2012
Fibromyalgia is a mystery. It has been a mystery for decades and it remains a mystery today. In the way of the world, people with such a perplexing struggle are often the target of numerous charlatan's out to exploit them by promising healing that is usually based on high expense.
Into this milieu, Dr. Liptan offers a scientific review of all the studies and literature available on fibromyalgia with the compassion of a fellow suffer. Her experience wrestling with her own malady, and as a physician, treating similarly afflicted patients, has given her a unique blend of professional education with patient focused practice.
While her presentation of theories regarding the cause of fibromyalgia is compelling to the imagination that longs for clarity, the significance of this book for fibromyalgia patients is found in the later half where she compiles the current research findings regarding common treatments.
And the key ingredient, aside from her commitment to the facts of the data, is that she is not trying to sell you something. She is merely a co-fighter evaluating possible solutions and trying to give you the best guidance she has available, which she does with caveat's to your individual situation. She respects that no one wants you to be better more than you do yourself. This perspective makes her work the easiest book to read that I have ever read on this topic. In fact, picking up the book to read the introduction - essentially forcing myself to address the topic - I stayed up late and knocked it out in 4 hours.
The one idea I was longing for her to address is the reality of co-morbidity. I have yet to meet anyone with fibromyalgia who has this concern alone. Thyroid, asthma, lingering injuries from car accidents, allergies, intestinal abnormalities, etc. also seem to plague those with the fibromyalgia label. And this reality makes it exceptionally difficult to isolate the central cause of a body gone haywire.
Nonetheless, if you are going to read one book on fibromyalgia, this is it, but apart from a good doctor, you will still struggle. Should you be blessed with both this guide and an excellent doctor, you are well on your way to finding ways to improve your quality of life. My doctor was gracious enough to read the book, and we are now attempting the ideas that we think will be most helpful. God bless you, fellow traveler, my He be your peace as you fight the good fight.
Into this milieu, Dr. Liptan offers a scientific review of all the studies and literature available on fibromyalgia with the compassion of a fellow suffer. Her experience wrestling with her own malady, and as a physician, treating similarly afflicted patients, has given her a unique blend of professional education with patient focused practice.
While her presentation of theories regarding the cause of fibromyalgia is compelling to the imagination that longs for clarity, the significance of this book for fibromyalgia patients is found in the later half where she compiles the current research findings regarding common treatments.
And the key ingredient, aside from her commitment to the facts of the data, is that she is not trying to sell you something. She is merely a co-fighter evaluating possible solutions and trying to give you the best guidance she has available, which she does with caveat's to your individual situation. She respects that no one wants you to be better more than you do yourself. This perspective makes her work the easiest book to read that I have ever read on this topic. In fact, picking up the book to read the introduction - essentially forcing myself to address the topic - I stayed up late and knocked it out in 4 hours.
The one idea I was longing for her to address is the reality of co-morbidity. I have yet to meet anyone with fibromyalgia who has this concern alone. Thyroid, asthma, lingering injuries from car accidents, allergies, intestinal abnormalities, etc. also seem to plague those with the fibromyalgia label. And this reality makes it exceptionally difficult to isolate the central cause of a body gone haywire.
Nonetheless, if you are going to read one book on fibromyalgia, this is it, but apart from a good doctor, you will still struggle. Should you be blessed with both this guide and an excellent doctor, you are well on your way to finding ways to improve your quality of life. My doctor was gracious enough to read the book, and we are now attempting the ideas that we think will be most helpful. God bless you, fellow traveler, my He be your peace as you fight the good fight.
June 2, 2016
I've decided that if I am going to go through what I am dealing with right now my life would be like yours dedicated to help not only fibromyalgia patients but also any patient with chronic pain and gone no where with years and years of suffering, no doctor is able to have this extensive background on every subject in his specialty and no doctor cares enough to minimize his patients suffering to the minimum at least, I have spent a lot of money and wasted a lot of times on a lot of shit that leaded me no where but a worst place than ever, today I am deciding to dedicate my last year of college to something that my change the face of fibromyalgia in Egypt, and if only one doctor decided to do that with one chronic illness the word would have changed, until that moment I believe that I know very little about what I have. However, I am petty sure that I am more than qualified to lead fibromyalgia cases and put them on the right way more than every doctor in my country, and this is sad and not good in any way, doctors deal with cases like me with a way that only put them on the edge of giving up once and forever and this is going to change.
I don't approve and agree with all of what have been said on the book, actually any treatment that consider FDA approved drugs for fibromyalgia anyway helpful is frustrating, or maybe I am wrong and there is difference because it's not common to see a male patient with fibromyalgia, anyway that book has given me a new hope and a new options to start all over with, followed by reading DR. G. Liptan's new book Fibro Manual, I will start to dedicate what I have left of any good quality life I may ever have in the future to help other patients and guide doctors to deal better with chronic pain patients, actually being a patient longer than what you have ever been as a doctor is another and significantly different experience, and maybe someday it will turn to a good story to tell.
I don't approve and agree with all of what have been said on the book, actually any treatment that consider FDA approved drugs for fibromyalgia anyway helpful is frustrating, or maybe I am wrong and there is difference because it's not common to see a male patient with fibromyalgia, anyway that book has given me a new hope and a new options to start all over with, followed by reading DR. G. Liptan's new book Fibro Manual, I will start to dedicate what I have left of any good quality life I may ever have in the future to help other patients and guide doctors to deal better with chronic pain patients, actually being a patient longer than what you have ever been as a doctor is another and significantly different experience, and maybe someday it will turn to a good story to tell.
May 24, 2011
A brand new book about Fibromyalgia writted by a local doctor! Yay!
I found this fascinating, and am really excited about some of the theories/treatments presented. Basically, Dr. Liptan's theory is the fascia, and it's dysfunction (due to Central Nervous System issues) is at the core of fibro - and if we can figure out how to deprogram the "fight or flight" mechanism that is misfifing in us, we have a cure.
She very much is "open" to exploring all methods of treatment and goes through and rates them, backs them up with studies, risks etc, which is great - I always am more apt to trust an openminded Doc than a "stuck" one. She also provides a great method of warm-up/exercise which I can't wait to try, as this part of my treatment is and has been one epic FAIL. I bought this book on Kindle and then wished I had a hard copy to copy off some of the charts and exercises - yes, I'm THAT excited about this book and trying the methods listed, as they make sense scientifically and emotionally.
She also advocates blood allergy testing as a starting point for treatment - as the "leaky gut" syndrome that so many of us suffer from plays a hefty part in muscle pain (it is all explained in the book).
About 1/3 of the book is glossary/notes/bibiliography so it's a pretty quick (but uber-important if you have fibro!) read.
I very much look forward to following her research.
I found this fascinating, and am really excited about some of the theories/treatments presented. Basically, Dr. Liptan's theory is the fascia, and it's dysfunction (due to Central Nervous System issues) is at the core of fibro - and if we can figure out how to deprogram the "fight or flight" mechanism that is misfifing in us, we have a cure.
She very much is "open" to exploring all methods of treatment and goes through and rates them, backs them up with studies, risks etc, which is great - I always am more apt to trust an openminded Doc than a "stuck" one. She also provides a great method of warm-up/exercise which I can't wait to try, as this part of my treatment is and has been one epic FAIL. I bought this book on Kindle and then wished I had a hard copy to copy off some of the charts and exercises - yes, I'm THAT excited about this book and trying the methods listed, as they make sense scientifically and emotionally.
She also advocates blood allergy testing as a starting point for treatment - as the "leaky gut" syndrome that so many of us suffer from plays a hefty part in muscle pain (it is all explained in the book).
About 1/3 of the book is glossary/notes/bibiliography so it's a pretty quick (but uber-important if you have fibro!) read.
I very much look forward to following her research.
January 13, 2013
One thing I liked about this book was the fact that the author, Ginevra Liptan, is a doctor plus she also has fibromyalgia, so she knows first hand what it's like to live with fibromyalgia everyday. I've just been newly diagnosed as having fibromyalgia but I've known for many years that there was something going on with me that wouldn't show up on tests, and it's really difficult to explain how you feel to someone who doesn't have it. So it was really refreshing to read about a doctor having it, what she feels like on a daily basis, and the different approaches she went through to feel better. I liked how she gave information on natural ways that worked for her, like getting a food allergy test, and different types of medicines that seem to work better for her patients than others. Overall, it was a very informative book that explained in great detail what happens when someone has fibromyalgia and ways to help yourself.
January 20, 2014
Being a woman that has fibromyalgia, I have read every book on this syndrome that there is. When I purchased this book, I was so excited that finally a medical doctor was writing about a illness that is so mysterious. Not only does Liptan write about it, she also has the syndrome. Her book is a wonderful addition to my library, and is the ONLY book I have that makes total sense and offers ways to ease the pain, correct my sleep cycle, and most of all; it explains step by step how this illness affects my body, and why.
If you want a book that tells you exactly how to deal with this illness, then this is the book for you. Kudos to Dr. Ginevra Liptan! :)
If you want a book that tells you exactly how to deal with this illness, then this is the book for you. Kudos to Dr. Ginevra Liptan! :)
August 13, 2013
This book was written by a doctor who has fibromyalgia and hid it from her colleagues in medical school because of the stigma attached to it. She relates the treatments she tried and what worked and didn't work for her. She discusses meds, and different therapies. It is honestly the best and most current book I read on the subject. However, she spent a lot of time on a sleep medication that she swears by that is not available to the general public.
April 6, 2012
Excellent information about current medical findings and treatments for Fibromyalgia. Author speaks both from personal experience and from a medical standpoint about the condition. I found that the information in this book fits well with my experience with FM over the last 20 years. Recommended for anyone who has or knows someone with FM.
March 14, 2011
Very good. I liked how she listed both alternative and regular therapies. I also liked that since she is a doctor and has this disease, her interest in writing the book is not financial. She is not trying to convince anyone that her chosen therapy is best and then selling it to you. Very helpful
April 30, 2013
I enjoyed the multi-layered perspective from the author as a physician, researcher and fibromyalgia patient. The book broke down complex concepts into an easily digestable read. The current research and helpful tips made this book a must have for anyone dealing with Fibro
February 21, 2013
It was great. The doctor that wrote the book also suffers from fibro, so it included her experiences of going thru medical school & the long hours of residency with the illness. She's done extensive research and included much information I've never found before. It was very insightful.
April 18, 2014
Very helpful book. The author explained things in very simple terms that made the medical concepts easy to follow. I really related to what she was saying. I felt like it offered a lot of great advice that I can implement.
April 9, 2012
Excellently thorough, well-balanced, and clear. Will hopefully be outdated in 10 years, but great for the time being.
July 19, 2017
lots of great information, primarily for sufferers, but helpful to therapists who work with them
August 13, 2013
This book really helped explain what was going on with me. So glad it was recommended to me
I've felt alone in the world with this new diagnosis
I've felt alone in the world with this new diagnosis
April 13, 2014
The book was very helpful for someone with fibromyalgia. It would be good for someone who is just diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews