Acupuncture in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

If you suffer from the pain or fatigue associated with fibromyalgia, you may want to consider receiving acupuncture. A Mayo Clinic study suggests that this traditional Chinese therapy can temporarily relieve muscle discomfort, loss of energy, anxiety and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. 

The good news is that researchers are suggesting that ongoing acupuncture may offer lasting relief to some patients who aren't helped by traditional treatments for fibromyalgia, such as antidepressants, stress management and aerobic exercise. 

Here is the study published in PubMed:

Mayo Clin Proc. 2006 Jun;81(6):749-57.

Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Martin DP1, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH.

Author information

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To test the hypothesis that acupuncture improves symptoms of fibromyalgia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, partially blinded, controlled, randomized clinical trial of patients receiving true acupuncture compared with a control group of patients who received simulated acupuncture. All patients met American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia and had tried conservative symptomatic treatments other than acupuncture. We measured symptoms with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 1 month and 7 months after treatment. The trial was conducted from May 28, 2002, to August 18, 2003.

RESULTS:

Fifty patients participated in the study: 25 in the acupuncture group and 25 in the control group. Total fibromyalgia symptoms, as measured by the FIQ, were significantly improved in the acupuncture group compared with the control group during the study period (P = .01). The largest difference in mean FIQ total scores was observed at 1 month (42.2 vs 34.8 in the control and acupuncture groups, respectively; P = .007). Fatigue and anxiety were the most significantly improved symptoms during the follow-up period. However, activity and physical function levels did not change. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects.

CONCLUSION:

This study paradigm allows for controlled and blinded clinical trials of acupuncture. We found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety.

So, if you need additional support for Fibromyalgia, give us a call at 330-477-0777 for a personal evaluation and treatment.  We have extensive experience treating this challenging condition.

Rapid Release Technology

Vahila Acupuncture and Massage Therapy now has a revolutionary pain relief treatment.  This new therapy uses High Speed Compression waves which emanate at a frequency that resonates with scar tissue adhesions.   Scar tissue adhesions are dense leftover tissue from repetitive stress, injury or surgery, that leaves “spot welds” in tissue that shouldn't be connected.  This can result in chronic pain and limit range of motion.

This is a new era in pain treatment technology.   The best part about it is that it is quick, painless and provides lasting results.  It also allows us to treat conditions that we were previously unable to help.

In addition to relieving pain, the device also initiates the “Tonic Vibration Reflex” which instantly relaxes muscle fibers, releasing spasms and cramps as well as relaxing tight muscles.  This Rapid Release (TM) therapy device is the only device on the market that works at a speed sufficient to trigger the Tonic Vibration Reflex.

The tiny stroke and multiple treatment heads on the device makes it comfortable to use just about anyplace on the body.  It generally feels like a rigorous massage and is tolerable by anyone who likes massage.  We think that is feels great and we use it on ourselves regularly.

If you have had a difficult to treat condition, give us a call at 330-477-0777 to see if Rapid Release Technology will help.

Click here to see more at the Rapid Release website.