Using TENS therapy in physical therapy for fibromyalgia treatment
Fibromyalgia TENS in Physical Therapy Study (TIPS):an embedded pragmatic clinical trial
This study is looking at whether using a TENS machine along with physical therapy can help people with fibromyalgia feel less pain, stick to their therapy better, and rely less on medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10253306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) when added to physical therapy for patients with fibromyalgia. It aims to determine if TENS can help reduce pain, improve adherence to therapy, and decrease reliance on medications. The study will be conducted in real-world physical therapy settings, allowing for practical insights into its application. By comparing outcomes for patients receiving standard physical therapy versus those receiving TENS in addition, the research seeks to provide evidence for better pain management strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia who are seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have fibromyalgia or those who are not receiving physical therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and functional outcomes for fibromyalgia patients while reducing the need for opioid medications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with TENS in managing musculoskeletal pain, indicating a promising approach for this research.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sluka, Kathleen a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Sluka, Kathleen a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.