ABSTRACT
This chapter explores expectations, experiences, challenges and rewards in the patient-clinician relationship with patients suffering from chronic myofascial pain. It discusses the pearls and pitfalls on the long road where suffering must be lived and witnessed and focuses on potentials and limitations of the physician’s role. The chapter examines empowering approaches intended to accommodate the reality of feelings and despair, aiming for hope and long-term recovery by supporting the patient as a resource. As patient adherence, healthcare utilization and improved health depend on patients’ satisfaction with the consultations; it is certainly worthwhile to try to make it optimal. The patient-centered clinical method requires that the physician attend to feelings, emotions and moods as well as categorizing the illness. The physician’s task is to help the patient by investigating, finding a diagnosis and giving adequate treatment. The presentation of health complaints in the encounter between patient and physician is influenced by standards of sick-role behavior.
