Family therapy is based on the belief that the family is a unique social system with its own structure and patterns of communication. These patterns are determined by many things, including the parents' beliefs and values, the personalities of all family members, and the influence of the extended family (grandparents...

"Fibro fog" is the name commonly given to the cognitive problems that can go along with fibromyalgia syndrome. These problems with concentration and memory can lead to confusion, losing your train of thought, or forgetting or mixing up words or details. You can take steps to manage fibro fog. Try some of the following...

Looks at forming a partnership with your doctor to manage your care. Suggests taking an active role by asking questions about treatment choices and costs, learning on your own, and prepping for office visits. Offers questions to ask when choosing a doctor.

Information on fibromyalgia, a syndrome that causes people to feel pain even when there is no injury. Covers symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Includes info on treatments such as medicines, exercise therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Learn how you can find the right professional to meet your needs.

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help prevent speech, language, and communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly; have speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; have voice quality problems, such as...

Hypnosis is a state of focused concentration during which a person becomes less aware of their surroundings. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat physical or psychological conditions. During a hypnotic state (trance), a person may be more likely to accept suggestions that can help change their behavior. A...

Discusses patellar tracking disorder, a problem that causes kneecap instability. Covers causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with physical therapy and surgery for severe cases. Links to exercises that can be done at home.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can affect your ability to think clearly, manage your emotions, and interact with others. It affects each person differently. Most people who have schizophrenia: Hear and sometimes see things that aren'

Explains how aerobic, strength, and range-of-motion exercises help with arthritis, and offers tips for how to get started with these types of exercise. Provides tips for using heat and ice after exercise. Recommends checking with a doctor or physical therapist before starting new exercise.

Discusses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. Covers TENS treatment for different illnesses and conditions such as muscle, joint, or bone problems.

Understand what sex therapy is and how it's done.

There's a lot you can do to lower your stress when you have cancer. The key is to find one or two ways of coping with stress that work for you. Pick at least one you can do when your energy is low. Try different things until you find what works for...

The Epley and Semont maneuvers are exercises used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). They are done with the help of a doctor or physical therapist. A single 10- to 15-minute session may be all that's needed. When your head is...

Talk to your physical therapist or doctor before you start an exercise program or activity. Ask what kind of exercise is best for you and how to exercise if a joint is sore or swollen. Also ask if you should take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to make it easier for you to exercise and if you should use...

Painful knee arthritis can keep you from being as active as you need to be. You may not walk as much. You may avoid going up and down stairs. But when you don't move that knee as much, the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around it can shorten and get weaker. Movement also pumps fluid in and out of the joint space, which...

Discusses biofeedback alternative therapy to control body functions such as skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, or blood pressure. Covers electromyography and peripheral temperature or hand temperature biofeedback. Discusses training and safety.

Provides overview and step-by-step instructions for starting stretches and strength-building exercises for rotator cuff problems. Includes checking with doctor or physical therapist before doing any exercises.

A positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device helps to loosen and remove mucus buildup in your lungs. It's a type of therapy that helps you clear your airways. There are different kinds of PEP devices. When you exhale into the device, it creates...

Guides through decision to have shoulder replacement surgery. Discusses what happens in shoulder replacement and what to expect after surgery. Also covers other treatments that you might try to manage osteoarthritis. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Rehabilitation (rehab) is needed after most ACL injuries, with or without surgery. It'll help you regain normal range of motion and flexibility in your knee. Rehab programs also strengthen the knee and the muscles around it, leading to better knee stability. Your doctor or physical therapist will design a rehab program...

You can help prevent foot injuries and problems. Avoid going barefoot. Wearing shoes can help prevent punctures and other injuries to your feet. Wear good athletic shoes. Shoes should have cushioned soles (especially heels) and good arch supports. Physical therapists, orthopedists, podiatrists, and sports medicine...

This maneuver is done with the assistance of a doctor or physical therapist. A single 10- to 15-minute session usually is all that is needed. When your head is firmly moved into different positions, the crystal debris (canaliths) causing vertigo will move freely and no longer cause symptoms. Epley maneuver: Step 1 You...

Biofeedback is a way to control a body function that you normally don't control in a conscious way, such as skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, or blood pressure. Biofeedback techniques can be used to manage tension and migraine headaches, back pain, panic or anxiety attacks, irritable bowel syndrome...