This is a well-written, comprehensive resource for anyone hungry for knowledge about this syndrome. I have the first edition as well, which is also awesome. The book has educated everyone from my dentist to my husband! Some of the Fibro symptoms are so unusual, that people start to think about your credibility after awhile. It is very frustrating! Many issues/symptoms have been explained or at least put to rest by looking them up in this book and feeling assured that I'm not crazy,(as many physicians still don't see this syndrome as having any medical foundation at all)! Thank you for writing and updating this book! It has saved several Dr. office calls and is a great source of information, support and relief for me.

The book is easy to read with wonderful sketches of the muscles.
A must book for the new Fibromyalgia sufferer!

The BEST book about fibromyalgia or any chronic pain syndrome. I was diagnosed with Fibromyaglia over three years ago; have a specialist at Mass. General in Boston who is great; but this is something I can refer to, at home; with so many suggestions. Written in lay person's terms but not like "Fibromyalgia for Idiots." Highly recommended from someone who still suffers greatly but is starting to show some signs of improvement.

I have learned so much about my conditions, trigger points and how to get good relief from pain. A must have for anyone suffering from fibromyalgia or pain from yet unknown causes. You might find out some startling things about youself and then be able to treat them or at least discuss with your doctor.

I have read a lot of books on this subject but none this comprehensive! Most other books I have read are all about a particular doctor's (the author) "cure" for FM. Well Starlanyl & Copeland have included just about every treatment for FM (nutrition, rx meds, supplements, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, acupressure, heat therapy, Tai Chi, and more) so you can be informed, explore, and make decisions about what is right for you. Additionally, the initial chapters, explaining FM & MFS are some of the best I have read. They are readable, yet well researched. The illustrations were very helpful.

If you can only get one book on FM, this is the one to get!

Just as good as the first Book! Explains so much!

Thanks!

Cindy Connor

This book explains fibromyalgia inside and out. There is so much information contained in this book that the doctors never mentioned. It is an excellent resource which I am sharing with my newly-diagnosed neighbor. It proves once and for all that I am not crazy by listing even the most obscure symptoms of this syndrome. I have already highlighted pages and pages of important information I will want to refer to time and time again. Thank goodness for this book.

I thought the book was a very good follow up to the original version. A great deal of information in a 'question and answer" format that was easy to use for a reference book.

I would buy this book again. It has cleared up a lot of questions I had and I like that it's a more technical type of explanation. It has pictures of the body and muscles along with trigger points. The reason I give it a four, is that I think it can be a little too technical. I've had to stop and read a couple things over again so I could understand it better. I'm not a stupid person, but I'm not a doctor either.Overall it's a good choice of reading. Oh, and it was recommended by my doctors office.

My reactions to treatment for CMP led my physiatrist to the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. I was indignant, after all, how could I have something I don't believe in? I was bent on proving him wrong. He recommended this book. I owed him an apology and a debt of gratitude all at the same time because this book mirrored my life, past and present. My husband got to hear me read much of it because I'd ask "who doe's this sound like?" It was unanimous,there I was, in the pages of this book. Of most importance was the fact that this book is an invaluable resource to help you understand these conditions, to cope with them and to care for yourself with them. My copy is dog earred, written on, well broken in. I don't lend mine out,I tell 'em, "Get your own copy!" and I send 'em to Amazon.com!

Too many books make it sound like that yoga nad antidepressants can basically make your fibromyalgia not a problem. She acknowledges the severity of the syndrome as well as the common co-exisiting condition (IBS, TMJ, etc.)
She is also the only book to back up her stance on pain management. For all those who, while crying in pain, have been told to "go home in take Tylenol b/c pain medication "doesn't work" for fibro, this is your book to copy and give to everyone.

On the more positive side, the wellness recovery plan in the 2nd edition is just wonderful and that can be adapted for any physical or mental condition.

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 12 years ago. In my quest to understand what was going on with my body, I discovered this book. It goes into great detail about your body's trigger points and what symptoms you may have related to those trigger points. I use this book on a daily basis to help me massage out the areas that are bothering me. This is an essential book for anyone diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It goes go into a lot of medical terminology which is it's only downfall. I am fortunate to be in the health care profession so I was able to understand it. I do recommend reading the first edition of this book before the 2nd because it goes into detail about fibromylagia and gives you a better understanding of the disease process. I keep both editions close to my bed so I have them handy if I need them. It is definitely a fibro "survival" essential!

This book is awesome. My doctor recommended it to me. I gave it to my sister & my niece for Christmas.

I went to 5 different doctors over 5 years before I was diagnosed. I then got a referal for a rheumatologist who wasn't very helpful. He just told me that yes you have fibromyalgia, go swimming and do some research on it. So I went to a big bookstore and browsed all the books on fibromyalgia. This one seemed more like a textbook written by someone that knows what they are talking about. They guy who wrote it actually has it and gives little stories about his own experience. The most important thing I got out of this book is that you have to find a bodyworker that knows fibromyalgia: myotherapists. I was wondering why physiotherapists, chiropractors and massage therapist weren't working...it's because they are bollox!!! Look up myotherapist in the phone book. My pain/tighness has been reduced by about 80%. =) You can be happy again too.

This book has some wonderful information! Written by someone that has a little sense of humor, which is enjoyable when on the subject of pain. I've read this over and over and find myself going back to it frequently to look up info. It is laid out well, has just the info you need without seeming like it's dragging on forever. I've borrowed it to friends, so they understand what it is I'm going through and they all really enjoyed the book. (I think it's the humorous writer that keeps you reading.)

I would recommend this to anyone hand down!

Although I've only skimmed the book, I immediately noticed the depth of information. This is not for the casual reader and may be beyond what most people are interested in.

This book has changed my life!! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia several months ago. I was in complete denial of my diagnosis until reading this book. It has helped me to understand my disorder but more importantly all the other issues that I have or felt. This book has confirmed for me that I am not crazy and to understand why I feel the way I do. Thank you, to the writers of this book.

I commend Dr. Starlanyl for another great book. I bought my copy about 4 years ago and couldn't put it down for the validation for my FMS. I recently gave this as a gift along with Fibromyalgia Advocate to a friend with FMS. She couldn't put it down either! The book is well written for lay people...patient, and caregiver alike. I recommend this to anyone in the Health Professional field as a must-read for FMS, CFS and CMP understanding. It is not "all in our heads".

Knowledge will be your strongest weapon against Fibromyalgia. But resist the urge to buy every book out there. This is one of the best, and it covers almost anything you would ever want to know.

I haven't found a cure for myself, but I've found a lot of relief through educating myself about Fibro and taking a realistic approach. You are sick, so take good care of yourself. You may not be able to do as many things as you did BF (before Fibro), but you can still try to do some things in moderation.

This disease is all about moderation, educating yourself, and taking care of your tired, sore self. Find yourself a heating pad, a good chair, a soft pillow, and sit down with this excellent resource. Until we find a cure, we need to make the best of whatever quality of life we can establish for ourselves. Never give up! Hold out for those better days -- they'll come!

A good book to help me learn something more about managing pain of sick people...i am a sports medicine doctor.

I was just diagnosed w/fibromyalgia and had borrowed this book from a relative. I liked it so much, I purchased one for my own reference guide to help with the pain. My new doctor prescribed Lyrica to help as well. Although this book has been out awhile, it's still VERY informative and useful. It is written in a way that non-medical folks can easily understand it. Kudos to Mrs. Devin Starlanyl...your dedication to this book has been a real blessing in the lives of both myself and my aunt. THANKS FOR YOUR SACRIFICE OF WRITING THIS SECOND EDITION!!!!

This is my 3rd copy as I have loaned it twice and not gotten it back. With the second edition there is even more great information that is so helpfuling living my life with this very difficult disease.

Few books actually change a person's life or way of thinking. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain actually did that for me. Like many people with FM and/or CMP, I went through a long, painful (both physically and emotionally painful) period of diagnosis and an even longer period of denial. I felt that since everyone else seemed to question my invisible symptoms that it was in my best interests to try to ignore what was really going on in my body and in my mind. So I suffered in silence and isolation with only my family knowing the diagnosis and no one really knowing the extent of my situation.

Reading Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain was like having a truly meaningful conversation with someone in the same situation as me. Someone who had not only accepted that these conditions actually exist but also had developed real life strategies to deal with everyday life and unexpected flare ups. For the first time since this roller coaster ride started, I felt empowered.

If you only have CMP (chronic myofascial pain), and if that CMP is of relatively recent onset and you have the slightest clue as to what set it off, you probably don't need all the information in Starlanyl's book and would do better, presuming limited $$, with a good trigger point manual and a couple of tennis balls.

Starlanyl is full of useful information that can help people who have found their conditions overwhelming, as is evidenced by all the ravingly 5-star positive reviews. OTOH, if you have a pretty good grasp of pain management, and maybe dietary adjustments, and possibly even various forms of bodywork, you may find yourself turning pages pretty fast. Then again, it's not that expensive (about the same as a generic pain prescription).

I won't be returning it, but I'll be in Clair Davies' book (Trigger Point Therapy Workbook) a whole lot more and I coulda bought half a Theracane with the cost of Starlanyl.

I purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend. While reading it, I had tons of aha! moments, so THAT is what this symptom means! Unfortunately I think I purchased an early edition that didn't have updated medical information. Also unfortunately, most doctors don't want to belive Fibro even exists, let alone find one who knows how to treat it.

David Bonro clearly doesn't have fibromyalgia himself. He complains that:

* the book is depressing. No doubt because it lists endless symptoms and is realistic about the limits of dealing with the disease. Welcome to the real world, Mr Bonro. If you find reading about the symptoms depressing, imagine what it's like to actually experience them - simultaneously and never-endingly

* the book isn't focused enough. If Mr Bonro had fibromyalgia, he would know that sufferers experience a ridiculous number of symptoms, often simultaneously, and that these symptoms are unpredictable and intense, changing as as when they please. Would Mr Bonro have preferred the author to ignore most of these possible symptoms so that the book fits into his rather limited frame of reference?

* the author's credentials are questionable. Well, as a fibromyalgia sufferer for the past 23 years, the credentials of "doctorate" don't particularly impress me. Despite numerous efforts to get help from medical mainstream practitioners, the only real help I have ever received and progress I have made thus far, was as a direct result of tratement by alternative practitioners, not medical doctors. This book was actually the first book that made me aware of trigger points and their relationship to fibromyalgia. The book even gives excellent tips on dealing with trigger points and preventing their reoccurence by correct eating, correct posture, etc. "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook", as Mr Bonro correctly states, is an excellent book, totally focused on getting rid of trigger points. But that's no reason to knock Devin Starlanyl's book, which is much broader in scope and has a completely different overall focus.

So, how important is your opinion of the book and its author actually , Mr Bonro? And, by the way, what are YOUR credentials?

My life has been improved enormously by the books written by Devin Starlanyl and I felt that I had to find a way to thank her and am grateful to Amazon for giving me the opportunity. I've given copies to my doctors and nurses and they use them like a bible for their fibromyalgia patients. Again, thank you, Devin Starlanyl.

The book was rated as in very good shape. I was amazed at the condition. It looks and feels brand new. I am very pleased with my purchase. Thank you

THIS IS A MUST HAVE BOOK FOR PEOPLE DIAGNOSED, &/OR THEIR FAMILY, IN ORDER TO TRULY CONVEY TO OTHERS (LIKE DOCTORS & THERAPIST) WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON WITH YOU.

This book has answered so many questions!! I never understood how one person could have so many things wrong with them! This explains all the symptoms and other problems I was having and how it is all related! It is good to know I am not losing my mind! Now we just have to find a cure! I purchased this book for my sister who is in bad shape from FMS and also for our doctor who was thrilled with the book! I recommend you buy it for your doctor, chiropractor-who ever helps you! I guarantee they will learn a lot as well!!! Good luck and I hope you find some relief!!

THIS IS A MUST HAVE BOOK FOR PEOPLE DIAGNOSED, &/OR THEIR FAMILY, IN ORDER TO TRULY CONVEY TO OTHERS (LIKE DOCTORS & THERAPIST) WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON WITH YOU.

This book has answered so many questions!! I never understood how one person could have so many things wrong with them! This explains all the symptoms and other problems I was having and how it is all related! It is good to know I am not losing my mind! Now we just have to find a cure! I purchased this book for my sister who is in bad shape from FMS and also for our doctor who was thrilled with the book! I recommend you buy it for your doctor, chiropractor-who ever helps you! I guarantee they will learn a lot as well!!! Good luck and I hope you find some relief!!

This book not only gives great insight into these two distinct conditions but it lays it all out in terms that anyone can understand. It helps you to understand your condition and the history that may have led up to it's manifistation. Easy read and helpful, helpful, helpful...wish my Doctor had had this great information too.

This was the most informative book i have seen so far. I realized that some of the symptoms that I have been having are explained. I have read the whole book and put alot of the suggestions into action and am feeling a lot better. It was like a light bulb moment. I have given it to my daughter to read also as she has MS. Thank You so much. I am in an area that it is hard to find a doctor that knows how to treat FM especially Trigger point myofacial. Thank you so much too the writer and all the work she went to. I would have paid a lot more for this book. and consider it a great bargain.

This is a great book. I had one already and purchased this one for my daughter.

Lots of info for my husband to read but it will be interesting.

I would recommend this book to everyone that have fibro or myofacial. I thought that some of the stuff that was happening to me was natural but when I started reading the book I found out that it wasnt natural. I got this book and started to read...I started to cry...this book was totally about me and my life...like someone had followed me around for the last 22 yrs of my life. Just take my word that this book has more info on fibro than any other on the net. Buy it you wont regret it. Maybe oneday we will all find perfect health...if only to not be in pain but I recommend this book to everyone that I meet like me.

If you aren't getting any answers from anyone about your condition, you must buy this book. If you are having to pioneer your own care, educate your family and friends as well as yourself, buy this book. Forget all the feel-good, take this vitamin, quick-fix nonsense out there and get educated. Buy this book. You do need to be somewhat intelligent to understand the medical terminology, but for those of us who are, it is wonderful to read something that doesn't talk down to us.

I wasted a lot of money and time reading everything that I could get my hands on about Fibroymalgia until I found this one. This book has saved my life in more ways than one. When my doctor was still telling me that Fibromalgia didn't exist this book convinced me that I wasn't losing my mind. It is full of helpful hints to help the suffer get through the worst days and to lots of suggestions as to how to pace themselves through the good days. I read this book as faithfully as I do my Bible and learn something new each time that I do. I highly recommend this book.

This is the most helpful book I have seen about Fibromyalgia. It helps to esplain this very frustrating condition and some helpful treatments. I ordered this book as a used copy. It was promptly delivered and brand new.

As a new sufferer of both fibromyalgia and CMP...this book was gold!

I didn't even realize that the two conditions could co-exist....and this book gave me alot of hope...and help.

It was also a very good book for my husband to read. He is very helpful and supportive...and now he has the information to help him to more throughly understand my condition....written by someone who suffers the diseases...and can totally understand.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

I would buy from this seller anytime! Many {)(} Thanks!

Doctor recommended reading and it has become easiest reference material. Author constantly referring to other sources that also has become invaluable. Recommend every person with Fibromyalgia, or knowing someone with the disease, use this as a source of education.

It's a thorough book but two serious omissions--at least for MFP. After 3 years of chronic pain and discomfort from myofascial pain I found a solution. After only 2 months of new treatment the pain has now become only an occasional occurence and my range of movement is close to normal. The solution lies in corecting the pelvic rotation that many suferers from back problems have--as I did. Although the pain was n my thoracic middle-uper back area, it was largely caused by pelvic twist. The doctor I found Irwin Abraham (in NYC) prescribed DonTigmy (DonTigny?) Technique (only a few pt.s kn ow it) and exercises. After a few weeks and doing exercises-- at first for 3 minutes every two hours --I was much better. Additional improvement resulted from prolotherapy injections which creates new ligaments. Neither DonTigmy nor prolotherapy is discussed in the book. But since I spent 3 yrs searching and trying many different methods (including trigger point neddling that helped temporarily)
and I am now significantly improved, I would recommend that every one sufffering fom myofascial pain try these approaches.
I have no idea if it would be of any use for fibromyalgia.

This is certainly the most informative book on FMS I've read. It covered just about everything I wanted to know and then some! The chapters on alternative treatments and Guaifenesin therapy were very encouraging. It also conveys to the fibromyalgia patient that pain is just the 'tip of the iceberg' (there's a lot more going on in the body that I certainly wasn't aware of before). If you want just one book on FMS in your collection this is the one to have!

Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

Chronic Myofascial Pain Disease(in 2006 was classified as a disease)is a very debilitating muscle disease,there is almost no information out there on this disease. This book teaches you how to help youself! I have been suffering from it severly for 6 1/2 years since I was 19, the information in this book gave me so much hope! This book have everythings from finding out what is happening to your muscles and body, to finding a DR to being an advocate for yourself These things are very important!!!! My Doctor encouraged this so much, this book was just the WAY to do these things! As a patient you have to understand what is going on in your body to get better. This book is so incrediblly inportant for someone suffering from CMP or fibromyalgia!

This book not only gives constructive direction but also removes alot of confusion. The Author has the diseases and knows first hand the situations that result. After reading this book I realize that I should purchase a few more copies for my doctor and family. The price is very low for the quality of information. After reading it I was profoundly relieved to know all the details. There are things that really don't make sense are real, and are not my imagination.

The book is not only a great teaching tool but will remain as a number one reference in the future. I wish I would have known about this book years ago.

This book has helped me more than any other book I have read. I had two doctors recommend this book. It is so informative and explains a lot of things that you don't normally find elsewhere. This book may cost a little more than others --- but in the long run you'll save money because this book will answer more of your questions, and it explores other things that are related to FMS -- things you may not have realized were connected. A MUST read!!! Good luck to everyone out there who has FMS -- there may not be a cure but there are many people who care ~~ it's just a matter of finding those people.

I listened to my doctor's suggestion about reducing caffeine intake. He recommended a book called "The Truth About Caffeine" by Kushner. Well, it's now past the three week mark and I'm really pleased at my progress. The first week was the toughest - it was so hard to get going without my ritual cup of coffee. I missed drinking coke and realized I also had to give up tea.

i facilitate a group for patients with fibromyalgia. i bought (gulp) probably 20 different books over the years, looking for the best. there are, frankly, some better books for physicians and mental health professionals. but, for the lay person or even the busy professional who wants to get an understanding of fibromyalgia, this is, in my opinion, the best book that you can buy. it's divided into chapters introducing the issues, medical problems, coping and adjustment, social support system, and dealing with other real-life issues that face the person with fibro (e.g., pain, sleeplessness, not being validated by family or even health care professionals). the book offers some practical advice. i'd like to see an update every few years. in the next, more exercises should be included as well as up-to-date internet resources. of the scores of copies of this book i've given out, i've not had one person disappointed, and most have raved, mostly about their sense that, for the first time, they truly felt understood and not alone. i believe that it's an excellent book and worthy of the purchase price.