Journal article

Publication year: 1998

Pages: 113-117

Journal: Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Volume number: 8

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0940-6689

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1061834

Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag

Abstract: 
Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a very common non-inflammatory rheumatic disease. Main symptoms are wide-spread pain, multiple tender points, and irritations of autonomous nervous system which are often accompanied by depression and sleep disturbances. The disease is very resistant against pharmacological as well as physical treatment, but may be ameliorated by heat applications. Objective: Investigations about a possible influence of repeated moderate hyperthermia on pain. Methods: Using Iratherm 1000 (von Ardenne GmbH, Dresden) whole-body hyperthermia was induced (duration: 30 min, mean body temperature: 38 +/- 0,32 degrees C, 3 treatments per week for 3 weeks). In addition, all patients received an identical standardized drug and a physical treatment program. Pain threshold was measured at 42 tender points using a dolorimeter (Pain Diagnostics and Thermography Inc., Great Neck, USA). For subjective pain intensity, a pain score and a visual pain analog scala were used. Results: Immediately after a single hyperthermia treatment, pain was significantly reduced. At the end of 3 weeks' treatment, pain no longer reached the pretreatment level. Conclusions: Moderate whole body hyperthermia has a significant analgesic effect in fibromyalgia, especially under repeated application. Further investigations in controlled studies are necessary.

Harvard Citation style: Schleenbecker, H. and Schmidt, K. (1998) The effect of iterative whole-body hyperthermia on fibromyalgia pain - a pilot study, Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 8(4), pp. 113-117. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1061834

APA Citation style: Schleenbecker, H., & Schmidt, K. (1998). The effect of iterative whole-body hyperthermia on fibromyalgia pain - a pilot study. Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 8(4), 113-117. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1061834