The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and stretch exercises in the relief of pain and improvement of quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia

Abstract

The aim of this work was  to verify the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and stretching exercises in decreasing pain, tendeness of the tender points and improving the quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Fifteen patients with mean age 52,8+- 11.3 years participated in the study. Four tender points were selected for application of TENS on the trapezius and supraspinatus bilateral muscles in eight sessions of treatment. The results showed that TENS and stretching exercises were effective in decreasing pain, tendeness of the treated tender points, and producing significant positive changes on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionaire. The present study suggests that TENS may be beneficial in relieving pain and when associated with stretching exercises couls also improve the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.