Schmerz. 2013 Feb;27(1):38-45. doi: 10.1007/s00482-012-1288-4.

[Whole body hyperthermia in pain therapy. A controlled trial on patients with fibromyalgia].

[Article in German]

Walz J1, Hinzmann J, Haase I, Witte T. 1 m&i-Fachklinik Bad Pyrmont, Auf der Schanze 3, 31812, Bad Pyrmont, Deutschland. julia.walz@fachklinik-bad-pyrmont.de

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mild water-filtered near infrared whole body hyperthermia in patients with fibromyalgia produces a benefit when applied as an addition to a standard multimodal rehabilitation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this study 67 patients at a German rehabilitation clinic were included and allocated to 3 study groups: the 2 intervention groups received additional mild water-filtered near infrared whole body hyperthermia once or twice a week over 3 weeks and the control group received only standard multimodal rehabilitation. Main outcome measure was pain intensity measured at baseline, discharge from the rehabilitation clinic and 6 months after discharge.

RESULTS:

Additional mild water-filtered near infrared whole body hyperthermia once a week proved to be significantly better than the second hyperthermia group and the control group with respect to pain reduction and affective sense of pain. Furthermore, hyperthermia once a week tended to result in better outcome regarding fibromyalgia-related quality of life and depression.

CONCLUSION:

There is evidence that mild water-filtered near infrared whole body hyperthermia is a reasonable complement to multimodal rehabilitation in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

PMID:

23354314