OBJECTIVE: To investigate how a mechanical massage technique (LPG technique) could contribute to the treatment of fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Feasibility study. SETTING: A single center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten women having a preexisting diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Subjects received a total of 15 sessions of mechanical massage administered by a physical therapist once a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and a physical examination scoring tender points (number, pain intensity). Evaluations were conducted at the screening visit, after 7 sessions (V7), and after completion of 15 sessions (V15). RESULTS: Most of the parameters (pain intensity, physical function, number of tender points) showed a significant improvement at V15 compared with screening. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the possibility that the studied intervention might be associated with positive outcomes in women with fibromyalgia, and support the need for a controlled clinical trial to determine its efficacy.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate how a mechanical massage technique (LPG technique) could contribute to the treatment of fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Feasibility study. SETTING: A single center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten women having a preexisting diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Subjects received a total of 15 sessions of mechanical massage administered by a physical therapist once a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and a physical examination scoring tender points (number, pain intensity). Evaluations were conducted at the screening visit, after 7 sessions (V7), and after completion of 15 sessions (V15). RESULTS: Most of the parameters (pain intensity, physical function, number of tender points) showed a significant improvement at V15 compared with screening. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the possibility that the studied intervention might be associated with positive outcomes in women with fibromyalgia, and support the need for a controlled clinical trial to determine its efficacy.