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  Tel. 978- 452- 6633

Dedicated to Improving Quality of Life With Advanced Physical Therapy

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Tel. 978- 256- 3300

Fibromyalgia Physical Therapy Treatment Effectiveness

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread muscle and bone pain with specific tender points.  Other symptoms may include: stiffness, fatigue and anxiety.

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for  Fibromyalgia syndrome. Physical therapist are the only medical providers with extensive training in medical exercises and manual therapy techniques.

This is a summary of recent Scientific Articles showing the benefits of physical therapy interventions for fibromyalgia patients:

Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Authors: Goldenberg DL, Burckhardt C, Grofford L.

Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA). 2004 Nov;292(19): 2388-95.

The authors reviewed 505 published articles and concluded that there is strong  evidence for the efficacy of the following treatments for fibryomalgia: 1. Medical cardiovascular exercises.  2. Cognitive behavioral therapy. 3. Patient education . 4. Multidisciplinary treatments including two or more the above approaches. 

Functionally oriented rehabilitation program for patients with fibromyalgia: preliminary results.                                     

Authors: Wennemer HK, Borg-Stein J, Gomba L, Delaney B, Rothmund A, Barlow D,  Breeze 

American  Journal of Physical Medicine &  Rehabilitation. 2006 Aug;85(8):659-66.           

The authors assessed the outcomes of an 8 week multidisciplinary program with exercises under the direction of a physical therapist. This study utilized multiple functional outcome measures to demonstrate improved function and decreased disability in patients with fibromyalgia. The patients reported significantly improved physical function after participation in the 8-wk intensive multidisciplinary treatment program. This progressive, functionally based exercise training program was well tolerated by all participants and outlines an effective exercise prescription for patients with fibromyalgia.

Treatment outcomes after multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation with analgesic medication withdrawal for patients with fibromyalgia.

Authors: Hooten WM, Townsend CO, Sletten CD, Bruce BK, Rome JD.

Cranio. 2003 Jan:21(1):10-16.

The authors studied 159 patients with fibromylagia pain. They concluded that a multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment (including physical therapy) was effective in decreasing pain and increase function in fibromyalgia patients. Also a  multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment was effective in decreasing the dependence in pain medications in fibromyalgia patients.

Short and long-term results of connective tissue manipulation and combined ultrasound therapy in patients with fibromyalgia.                                                 

Authors: Citak-Karakaya I,  Akbayrak T, Demirturk F,  Ekici G, Bakar Y.                    

Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapy. 2006 Sep:29(7):524-8.                          

The authors evaluated 20 fibromyalgia patients treated with soft tissue manipulation and ultrasound therapy. They concluded that the listed treatments approaches decreased pain intensity, complaints of no restorative sleep, and showed improvement in functional activities.

The effect of combined therapy (ultrasound and interferential current) on pain and sleep in fibromyalgia.                             

Authors: Almeida TF, Roizenblatt S,  Benedito-Silva AA, Tufik S.       

Pain Journal. 2003 Aug:104(3):665-72                                                                    

The authors examined outcomes of 17 patient treated with electrical muscle stimulation and ultrasound therapy. They concluded that the above treatment are an effective way to treat pain and increase sleep in fibromyalgia patients.

*The information in this page is for information only and is not intended to serve as medical advice or consultation. Consult your personal health care professional before beginning self-treatment.