Effectiveness of Bowen Therapy for Pain Management in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Phase

N/A

Condition

Fibromyalgia

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT04554784

Bowen (fibro) 2020.357

Ages 18-75
All Genders

Study Summary

The aim of this prospective, randomized study is to explore the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy in pain management for patients with fibromyalgia. In Hong Kong, Bowen Therapy is a non-invasive technique and one of the treatment modalities adopted by Occupational Therapists. Bowen Therapy uses specific sequences of gentle cross-fibre moves over muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia to stimulate or improve the flow of blood and lymph, and thus activate the body's healing mechanisms that enhances tissue repair. As a result, it can lessen pain and tension, restore more optimal body function, and subsequently alleviate emotional and psychological stress associated with the pain. Bowen Therapy is widely recognized and utilized worldwide for acute and chronic health conditions from new-born to the elderly, both mobilized and bed-ridden patients with no documented evidence to show it has caused any harm or adverse effects.

There are two study groups in this study and patients will be randomized and allocated to either one. One group (Control group) will continue receiving conventional treatment; while another group (Bowen group) will receive 8 sessions of Bowen therapy. The investigators hypothesize that Bowen Therapy is superior to the conventional pain treatment for patients with fibromyalgia.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Widespread pain index (WPI) ≧7 and symptom severity (SS) scale score ≧5 or WPI between 3 and 6 with SS scale score ≧9. The WPI includes evaluation of tender points at 19regions. Tender point count (TPC) is examined by application of approximately 4 kg/cm2pressure with the tip of the thumb on those regions.
Symptoms have been present at a similar level for at least 3 months.
Patient does not have any disorder that would otherwise explain the pain
Agrees to participate in the study and agree to discontinue other alternativestreatments except in conditions otherwise approved by the investigators.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient refusal
pregnancy
assessed to be contraindicated to participate by pain specialists due to the presenceof other co-morbidities or conditions
underlining disease that affect mobility of upper limb and lower limb
known severe psychiatric illness
known malignancy, skin disease, infectious disease, severe cardiovascular disease,patients taking anti-coagulants
enrolled in other studies
refuse to temporarily discontinue concurrent treatment or intervention as painmanagement during the study period e.g. alternative medicine, physiotherapy,chiropractor

Study Design

September 06, 2020

September 06, 2023

Study Description

This study is going to look at the effectiveness of Bowen Therapy in pain management for patients with fibromyalgia. 80 patients with fibromyalgia attending pain management clinic will be recruited at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital after informed consent. They will be randomized into either group (control group or Bowen group). Control group will continue receiving conventional treatment such as follow-ups by pain specialists, taking analgesia, physiotherapy. Bowen group will need to attend 8 sessions of therapy. All subjects will be evaluated at 12th week and 24th week after signing the consent.

Connect with a study center

Pain Management Centre (NTEC); PWH/ AHNH
Shatin, New Territories
Hong Kong
Active - Recruiting

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