Positive Health Online

Abstract

GUR, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical Faculty, Dicle University, 21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey, has reviewed (81 references) physical therapies in the management of fibromyalgia. Abstract: The aetiology of fibromyalgia syndrome is uncertain and the prognosis for recovery is generally poor. A wide variety of interventions are used in the management of fibromyalgia. There is, however, no clear consensus on the treatment of choice and fibromyalgia remains relatively resistant to treatment. Therefore, prevention, causal therapy and rehabilitation are not possible. Fibromyalgia patients frequently use alternative therapies, which are generally perceived to be more "natural" and to have fewer adverse effects. Despite the positive results found, the number of publications related to the application of physical therapy modalities such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, laser, biofeedback, electrotherapy and magnetic field therapy is still scant, especially concerning fibromyalgia treatment. The demonstration of a long-term effective intervention for managing the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia is needed. Multidisciplinary approaches to management include physical and medical therapeutic strategies. Treatment modalities should be individualised for patients based on target symptoms and impairment in functioning. Patience and positive attitude on part of the physician and active involvement of patients and their families in treatment are likely to enhance improvement. It can be concluded that there is a need for larger, more systematic and methodologically sound randomised controlled clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy modalities.

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References

Gur A. Physical therapy modalities in management of fibromyalgia. Current Pharmaceutical Design 12 (1): 29-35, 2006.