Fibromyalgia presents with a challenging mixture of of pain, stiffness, fatigue, and mood disturbances, leaving those affected desperate for relief. While conventional treatments are limited, some turn to acupuncture for fibromyalgia, while others may be hesitant to try without knowing some research behind it.
This post summarises a systematic review (highest level of evidence) done on “Acupuncture For Treating Fibromyalgia” published by the Cochrane Library who set the standards for evidence-based medicine.
Acupuncture For Fibromyalgia Key Findings
This review analyses the impact of acupuncture on fibromyalgia over 9 trials for 395 participants and presents with the following findings:
Acupuncture, particularly with electrical stimulation, surpasses non-acupuncture treatments in reducing pain, stiffness, and enhancing overall well-being and fatigue.
There was not a statistically significant difference between real and sham acupuncture (where needles are inserted at incorrect points or don’t penetrate the skin). However, this could be due to poor research design and the limitations with sham acupuncture in general.
Combining acupuncture with medication and exercise amplified pain reduction and overall well-being.
Acupuncture showed safety, with minimal and short-lived adverse reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is low to moderate‐level evidence that compared with no treatment and standard therapy, acupuncture improves pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia. The research demonstrates the need for larger studies to fortify these findings. Nonetheless, for individuals dealing with fibromyalgia, acupuncture may be considered as an option to explore.
It is important to note that while research can be useful, it will always be limited because interventions are created around a disease or symptom, and are often applied rigidly, regardless of the person receiving treatment. In reality when working with someone with fibromyalgia we must remember that we are working with the unique person underneath the diagnosis and symptoms, and so treatment should be tailored to that person.
At Acupuncture Gove we employ a 4-5 stage model of working with complex chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia. This model helps us map out where a person is and what milestones we are looking for to know that what we're doing is working.
If you would like to try acupuncture for fibromyalgia in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, consider Acupuncture Grove in Bondi Sydney. Servicing areas such as Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, Coogee, Clovelly, Bronte, Waverly, Randwick, Maroubra, Double Bay, Watson's Bay, Vaucluse and surrounding Sydney suburbs. You can book online here or reach out with any questions here.
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