Are you comfortable treating patients with chronic pain? They present considerable challenges in examination and in selection of effective therapeutic interventions. Many have been to numerous practitioners seeking results unsuccessfully. This course describes the differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) & myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Participants will recognize these syndromes and the conditions commonly associated with them. Research evidence will describe the clinical tests contributing to appropriate diagnosis of FMS or MPS. Effective evidence-based interventions to reduce the symptoms of FMS and MPS will be discussed. This information is a must for practitioners treating patients suffering with chronic pain.  

Course Content

IDENTIFY TWO MAIN CATEGORIES OF CHRONIC PAIN
u Introduction to diagnoses of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome: what are they?
u What is the incidence of chronic pain?

COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES OF FIBROMYALGIA AND MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME WITH SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
u Description of the differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome
u Discuss comorbid conditions associated with FMS and MPS

ANALYZE EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH DESCRIBING EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR PROMOTING FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE WITH FIBROMYALGIA AND MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME
u What can we do to manage chronic pain? Review of the evidence on chronic pain diagnosis and treatment
u Case study
u Summary and conclusion