written by balletboy  on 27.01. at 21:41:40

I have fibromyalgia.  My Rheumatologist was Dr. Janet Travell, who first described the disease years ago (She died at age 92 or 93!  A fantastic loss!)

I would suggest you see a Rheumatologist (not an orthopedist) about the fibromyalgia.  Dr. Janet encouraged me to continue in ballet, even after I injured my cervical spine -- a horse threw me off when I was playing polo -- the spine surgeons wouldn't even risk operating on the mess!

I started out first by getting regular massages.  This kept my muscles "clean" and free of the contaminants that cause those trigger points.  Then I slowly progressed back into ballet, after about a year of physical therapy and massage. Years later, I still can't spot well because of the cervical spine injury, but dance my beloved ballet.

The spine surgeons were very scary, but I guess they were right to be as cautious as they were.  Reading about spine injuries and spine surgery, especially in the cervical spine, I found they can be serious.

I'd just like to say take it slow.  The fibromyalgia shouldn't be a problem; as I said, Dr. Janet encouraged me to get back to ballet for the overall good it can bring a fibromyalgia sufferer.  Be careful with the cervical spine though.

Keep dancing!  balletboy

PS: I'm sorry I don't know any places in your area.  Try a nearby college with a dance program.  Call them and ask the teachers for advice.  They also should know about a good physical therapist or two that has worked with dancers.  That would help your rehabilitation.  Be careful about chiropractors after the spine surgery, though (I use them, but they have to be very careful because I had that bad neck injury).