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Complementary Therapies for Fibromyalgia Syndrome – A Rational Approach

  • Fibromyalgia (M Peres, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex chronic condition, the treatment of which still poses many challenges. Complementary therapies (CT) have gained increasing popularity among FMS patients. Past reviews evaluating effectiveness of CT for treatment of FMS revealed some potential benefits arising from certain modalities. However, with the data available, it becomes difficult to formulate a unique opinion about this matter. In the present paper, the authors propose some guidelines to conciliate the expectations of patients with the lack of solid evidence, in a practicable yet responsible way. Many items should be considered before prescribing, proscribing, or tolerating a CT, besides results from randomized controlled trials, such as efficacy (mechanisms of action); effectiveness (effect in practice); efficiency (cost-benefit ratio); safety; risk-benefit ratio; legislation; healthcare service involvement; practitioner characteristics; objective (purpose); and the potential of combination with conventional treatment.

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Marcelo Saad declares that he has no potential conflicts.

Roberta de Medeiros declares that she has no potential conflicts.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. S. Paulo Medical College of Acupuncture, Rua Tuim, 995, S. Paulo, SP, Brazil, 04514-103

    Marcelo Saad

  2. Centro Universitario S. Camilo, Ave. Nazare 1501, S. Paulo, SP, Brazil, 04263-200

    Roberta de Medeiros

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  1. Marcelo Saad
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  2. Roberta de Medeiros
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Correspondence to Marcelo Saad.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Fibromyalgia

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Saad, M., de Medeiros, R. Complementary Therapies for Fibromyalgia Syndrome – A Rational Approach. Curr Pain Headache Rep 17, 354 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0354-7

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