Fibromyalgia--the effect of relaxation and hydrogalvanic bath therapy on the subjective pain experience

Clin Rheumatol. 1994 Dec;13(4):573-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02242996.

Abstract

In the present study, two established non-medicinal treatment methods are compared with regard to their effect on various psychological pain parameters in patients with fibromyalgia. Twelve patients underwent hydrogalvanic baths, 13 patients the Jacobson relaxation training. Statistical evaluation showed only one significant difference in the different dimensions of pain measured at the beginning and end of the therapy. In comparison with patients receiving Jacobson-therapy, there is a significantly higher decrease in pain intensity in the period from breakfast till lunch in patients receiving bath-therapy. Apart from this, no differences between the two treatment groups could be found, either in the quality of pain, the psychological symptoms accompanying it, in sleep quality or in pain behaviour.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / physiopathology
  • Fibromyalgia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydrotherapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pilot Projects
  • Relaxation Therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome