Michael Dam, D.C.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition associated with tight, sore muscles but no one REALLY knows where FM comes from or why it picks on certain people and not others. Some feel it’s caused by lack of sleep, specifically deep sleep, eventually resulting in chronically tight muscles. Others theorize it’s the underlying stress of a person’s [..]

Last month, we started the conversation about the importance of exercise, and how it improves the quality of life for everyone, especially those with fibromyalgia (FM). We listed specific recommendations about how to go about implementing an exercise program safely and successfully but never finished the subject. Hence, here are some additional tips for getting [..]

It is common knowledge that we can all benefit from exercise; however, it is especially important for people with fibromyalgia (FM) to exercise as it reduces fatigue, increases energy, improves joint flexibility, and improves sleep quality and mood. In essence, exercise allows FM sufferers to live a more enjoyable and fulfilling life!With that said, it [..]

We have discussed the topic of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) exercises previously but because this topic is so important, it warrants another look at this subject from a different perspective. Please keep in mind there are many exercises that will help patients with CTS, including a general, aerobic exercise program. In other words, just staying [..]

There are many different exercises that can be done for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and we’ve discussed some of these in the past.To understand "why" gliding exercises are helpful, let’s review the anatomy of the carpal tunnel. There are 9 tendons that move through the narrow carpal tunnel at the wrist. This confined space is [..]

Previously, we discussed the relationship between low back pain and balance, particularly our unfortunate increased tendency to fall as we age. Let's look at ways to improve our balance by learning specific exercises that utilize the parts of the nervous system that regulate balance or proprioception—particularly, the cerebellum (the part of the brain that regulates [..]

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that affects the muscles of the body in a generalized way, producing pain that is usually felt in many areas. This widespread pain can impact many aspects of one’s life and disrupt jobs, hobbies, and relationships. Previously, we discussed dietary strategies that can be employed to minimize the inflammatory [..]

"Doc, I try to do my exercises but I have to hit the ground running in the morning….to get the kids ready for the school bus….I have morning meetings….I’m not a morning person….I’m pulled in 100 directions during the day….I forget about them until I’m in bed….I exercise on my job and that’s enough…" I’m [..]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition resulting in hand and sometimes neck and arm complaints. This can include numbness or tingling in the fingers, leading to dexterity problems such as difficulty buttoning clothing or picking up small objects. An individual with CTS can also experience strength loss / weakness when turning door knobs, [..]

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition that gradually interferes with many aspects of one’s life. The challenge of treating FM is finding the right combination of approaches that positively impacts the structural, emotional, and chemical aspects of the body in such a way the FM patient can function "normally" when engaging in normal day-to-day activities. [..]