Effects of structural integration Rolfing® method and acupuncture on fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Considering that a single approach does not encompass all symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome and so indicated therapy is multidisciplinary, this study aimed at observing the efficacy of Structural Integration Rolfing method, of acupuncture, and of the combination of both techniques for relieving pain, anxiety and depression and for improving quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: Participated in the study sixty patients of the Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Neurological Clinic, Clinicas Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, who were randomly distributed in three groups: group A – submitted to 10 acupuncture sessions; group B – 10 Rolfing sessions; and group C – 10 Rolfing and 10 acupuncture sessions. All patients have maintained their routine outpatient treatment and were evaluated according to Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Pain Numeric Verbal Scale and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories, applied during initial interview, after the last session and three months after treatment completion. RESULTS: There has been statistically significant improvement in the three groups with regard to all evaluated items. CONCLUSION: Both techniques, individually or in association, were beneficial during the three months of follow up.