Tender points are used by many doctors to diagnose FM. They are specfic points on the body physicians probe using a certain level of pressure to see if they are tender. If a certain percentage of them are tender then according to one definition of FM you have FM.

They have been the standard way to diagnose FM for several years but but not all physicians they are a good way to diagnose FM. They focus more on other aspects of FM such as widespread body pain and other symptoms.

You can learn more about tender points and FM diagnosis at the HealthCentral Fibromyalgia site lead by National Fibromyalgia Association founder Karen Richards.

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/fibromyalgia.html

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/fibromyalgia.html