The Effect of the Fibrotherapy Intervention Program on the Coping Patterns of Fibromyalgia Patients

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is characterized by physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders, as well as mental symptoms that include depression, mental exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness. The current study focuses on 3 main strategies used by FM patients living in communities in the Gaza Envelope who are under constant security threat: problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance. Methods:The study introduces a groundbreaking intervention program based on a fibrotherapy intervention (FTI) program developed at the Rehabilitation Center "Ezra Le'Marpeh" led by Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Firer. The cohort study sample consists of 96 women who have been diagnosed with FM and have participated in the FTI program for 10 weeks. The study uses mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative analyses in which 16 women from the sample were interviewed. In addition to collecting demographic information and medical data, the study used the Brief Cope questionnaire. Results:The findings corroborate the hypothesis and show a difference between the coping patterns of FM patients before and after the intervention. Conclusions:The sharing experience as a part of the FTI program can lead FM patients to adopt positive disease management strategies, which may improve their quality of life.

Resilience and Sense of Coherence among Female Fibromyalgia Patients Living in a Conflict Zone Who Underwent Fibrotherapy Intervention

“…research [52,53] also established a link between stressful situations, such as security threats, and intensified FM symptoms. Qualitative findings from elaborate research by the authors of this paper [54][55][56] revealed physical conditions among FFMPs under security threats that included pain and stiffness during sirens to the point of entering a state of physical paralysis for hours after the threat had passed. Findings from these studies suggest that FFMPs transitioning from emotion-oriented or avoidance coping to problem-oriented strategies during FTI demonstrated significant improvement.…”

“…Previous analyses [54][55][56] revealed that participation in FTI group therapy fostered attitude changes, transforming feelings of isolation into shared experiences and common goals among FFMPs. This shift from individual coping to collective participation led to increased optimism and a more assertive approach to managing the disease.…”

Review of Fibromyalgia (FM) Syndrome Treatments

“…There are similarities to neuropathic pain in clinical findings, pathophysiology, and neuropharmacology [1,2]. Although FM is not a musculoskeletal disease, most symptoms manifest at this level [6][7][8].…”

“…To the population that surrounds FM patients, the disease is completely hidden, which leads to skepticism regarding its existence. The research by Cohen-Biton et al [7,8] found that FM patients face both a lack of self-acceptance towards the disease and a lack of acceptance by others in their environment (family, friends, colleagues). Hence, this paper aims to provide new insights into treatment methods and to provide answers within the emotional realm that underlies coping with FM.…”