Mind and Body Practices for Fibromyalgia
In general, research on complementary health approaches for fibromyalgia must be regarded as preliminary. However, recent systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials provide encouraging evidence that practices such as tai chi, massage therapy, acupuncture, and balneotherapy may help relieve some fibromyalgia symptoms.
This issue of the digest provides a summary of the science of several mind and body approaches often included in treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.
What the Science Says:
Mind and Body Practices for Fibromyalgia
Modality and Summary of Current Research
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness mediation may provide short-term improvements in pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia; however, the evidence is limited by a small number of studies with low methodological quality.
Read more about the research of mindfulness meditation for fibromyalgia
Biofeedback
There is some low-quality evidence that biofeedback, compared to usual care, has an effect on physical functioning, pain, and mood in patients with fibromyalgia; however, due to the lack of quality evidence, it is unknown if biofeedback has any therapeutic effect on these outcomes.
Read more about the research of biofeedback for fibromyalgia
Guided Imagery
Studies on the effects of guided imagery for fibromyalgia symptoms have had inconsistent results.
Read more about the research of guided imagery for fibromyalgia
Tai Chi
Findings from some randomized controlled trials suggest that meditative movement therapies such as tai chi, may provide modest relief of some fibromyalgia symptoms.
Massage
There is limited evidence that massage can provide modest improvement in some fibromyalgia symptoms.
Read more about the research of massage therapy for fibromyalgia
Acupuncture
Limited evidence suggests that when compared to a control, acupuncture may help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia such as pain and stiffness.
Read more about the research of acupuncture for fibromyalgia
Balneotherapy (Hydrotherapy)
There is some limited evidence that suggests that balneotherapy (hydrotherapy) may provide small improvement in pain and health-related quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia.
Read more about the research of balneotherapy for fibromyalgia
Clinical Guidelines
- Chiropractic Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Summary of Clinical Practice Recommendations (Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters) [21 KB PDF]
Scientific Literature
Information for Your Patients
- 7 Things To Know About Complementary Approaches for Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia: In Depth
- 9 Things You Should Know About Chronic Pain and Complementary Health Approaches
- Tai Chi: What You Need To Know
- Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know
- Acupuncture: What You Need To Know
- Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need To Know
NCCIH Clinical Digest is a service of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, DHHS. NCCIH Clinical Digest, a monthly e-newsletter, offers evidence-based information on complementary health approaches, including scientific literature searches, summaries of NCCIH-funded research, fact sheets for patients, and more.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is dedicated to exploring complementary health products and practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary health researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCIH’s Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCIH website at nccih.nih.gov. NCCIH is 1 of 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health, the Federal focal point for medical research in the United States.
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