The effects of cold application to trapezius muscle on the fibromyalgia

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the effect of cold application on trapezius muscles on fibromyalgia (FM).
METHODS: This randomised, controlled study was conducted at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of a university hospital, in 42 people who had been diagnosed with FM. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n=22) and control (n=20) groups. Cold application was applied to the trapezius muscles of the participants in the intervention group for 10 minutes. The pain levels of the participants in both the intervention and the control groups were evaluated every day for a period of 1 week. A questionnaire, the visual analogue scale and Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) were used to collect data.
RESULTS: The mean pain scores of the participants in the intervention group were measured before cold application, 30 minutes after application, and on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and these scores differed significantly (p<0.001). Function, impact, symptoms and total FIQR scores decreased significantly after cold application in the intervention group (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The pain levels of the people with FM, which were measured 30 minutes after they received cold application on the trapezius muscle and on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 post-application, decreased significantly. Their symptoms also decreased significantly and their functions, impact and general health status improved compared to the control group.