Tracey Roberts, owner of Restored Balance Fibromyalgia and Pain Management Center, in York, knows what it’s like to feel hopeless. In 1995 she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. During a particularly unpleasant phase in her life, she was bedridden for almost four years. “I deteriorated to the point where I couldn’t walk or feed myself; I had to use a wheelchair to get around. I was on at least seven different medications—all of this while having four children under the age of 10,” she recalls. “But I was tired of missing out on my children’s lives and decided it had to stop.”

So Roberts began doing light stretching movements, which later became the techniques she created for her book Myostretching for Fibromylagia, published in 2004. “Myostretching is a specialized technique of muscle movements that target the fascial system of the body,” she explains. Not long after beginning, Roberts began to notice a difference. “I was getting better, especially once I combined the stretching movements with positive attitude exercises. Eventually I was able to get out of bed, go back to work and school and watch my children’s sporting events,” she says.

Now Roberts is 99 percent painfree. Her mission is to bring hope to those suffering with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. She spreads that hope using the techniques offered at Restored Balance, which includes her popular Fibromyalgia Wellness Program. The program, designed to reverse the cycle of pain, incorporates Myostretching, advanced myofascial release and nutritional counseling. “Most of the participants in the January program reported a 60 percent increase in the quality of their lives in just six weeks,” she says. “They were able to enjoy playing with their kids again and enjoy their hobbies. They were able to engage more in their lives.”

In addition, Restored Balance offers some of the latest technology, including NeuroVoyager Stress Reduction Therapy. “This wonderful chair uses light, sound and vibration to induce a calming effect on the nervous system,” says Roberts.

Roberts, who holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and is getting a master’s degree in sports psychology, is passionate about learning everything she can about how people move and function in life so she can help them do it even better. She makes herself available to speak to groups about fibromyalgia or general alternative healthcare. “The most rewarding part about what I do is seeing my oncehopeless clients smile again. It’s great to see them enjoying their lives again.”

Restored Balance is located at 2709 S. Queen St., in York, PA. For more information, call 717-495-2802 or visit RestoredBalanceCenter.com.

 Erin Lehn Floresca is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.