![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Objectives: Clinical outcomes for fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] patients treated with physical therapy interventions have traditionally been unsatisfactory. In an attempt to help our FMS patients, we began to use Upledger's cranial sacral therapy [CST] techniques, along with muscle energy techniques [MET] to correct dysfunctions of the pelvis, sacrum and/or spine. After nearly two years of therapy for some patients, reports of remarkable improvement prompted us to conduct a systematic, retrospective, outcome review of our medical records regarding all patients with FMS.
Methods: Twenty-three patients diagnosed with FMS were treated with Upledger's CST techniques at a physical therapy clinic for a period varying from 1 month to 21 months. Charts from the physical therapist and from the referring physician were studied to gather information regarding the types of treatment, pain levels, activity levels, and any comments regarding the quality of life.
Results: Eighty-seven percent of our FMS patients receiving CST also received MET. Sixty-five percent were initially found to have faulty craniosacral rates, which were normalized with treatment. Following treatment, 61 percent reported pain levels decreased by 50 percent or more. Fifty two percent reported decreased requirement of medications. Four patients progressed to pain free status requiring no medication. Quality of life improvements were noted by 65 percent. Of those whose FMS symptoms had forced reduced employment, three returned to full time work and three reported decreased work absenteeism.
Conclusions: Upledger's CST techniques, in combination with MET, appear to be effective in treatment of FMS. A clinical design for further study of these interventions is provided.