Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Is Laser Therapy An Effective Alternative Treatment For Women With Fibromyalgia?, Michelle B. Astrove

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is the use of laser therapy an effective alternative treatment for women with fibromyalgia?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2002 and 2013.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found using Cochrane Systematic Reviews. These studies analyzed the effectiveness of laser therapy in women with fibromyalgia.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Main outcomes measured were improvement in pain, number of tender points, muscular spasm, skinfold tenderness, sleep disturbance, fatigue and morning stiffness measured by an ordinal likert scale, Pain and FM impact …

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia: Using A Diagnostic Screening Tool In Primary Care, Lilo Fink

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Fibromyalgia (FMS) goes undiagnosed in as many as 3 out of 4 people who have the disease. Primary care providers (PCPs) are the first to evaluate patients; therefore, PCPs need to be able to recognize FMS, implement initial treatment, and refer for further consultation. The Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screening Tool (FDST), a validated instrument to identify FMS, can improve the speed and accuracy of FMS diagnosis. The purpose of this project was to familiarize PCPS with the FDST, evaluate their receptiveness to the tool, and train them in its use. The Leventhal, Diefenbach, and Levanthal, common sense model of illness provided …