How do subjects with fibromyalgia experience fascia therapy?

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Hands-on therapies are powerful methods used to influence rehabilitation and is frequently used by therapists. In this study only 'fascia therapy', one specific part of hands-on therapies, will be discussed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate how subjects with fibromyalgia experience fascia therapy, Method Danis Bois (MDB). Specifically, this study will be focussing on the experience of ones body, after being treated several months by a recognised fascia therapist. Design: This was a pilot study with a qualitative research method. Methods: Five subjects participated and were interviewed by semi-structured in-depth interviews. These were transcribed at verbatim and were analysed following the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: After the analysis, four major themes were formed: a) fascia therapy as a bridge between body and mind, b) fascia therapy as a provider of a new point of view on the disease, c) fascia therapy as a process of awareness and d) fascia therapy as a fascilitator. These themes define all noted influences of fascia therapy, concerning 'experience'. They demonstrate that fascia therapy, MDB, can have a multidimensional influence on subjects with fibromyalgia. Conclusions: Subjects with fibromyalgia are in a constant fight with their own, painful body. A general approach for this disease has not yet been found. However fascia therapy, MDB, can function as a great guide in learning how to better live with, and manage the disease. These results