Guidelines on Treating Fibromyalgia With Nonpharmacological Therapies in China
Xuanlin Li , Hejing Pan , Liaoyao Wang , Qi Zhou , Yanfang Ma , Qi Wang , Mingzhu Wang , Zhijun Xie , Haichang Li , Lu Chen , Lin Huang , Yaolong Chen , Chengping Wen
Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (2) : e70044
Guidelines on Treating Fibromyalgia With Nonpharmacological Therapies in China
Fibromyalgia is a prevalent chronic condition marked by widespread pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for nonpharmacological treatments, developed by a multidisciplinary expert group, including specialists in rheumatology, rehabilitation, pain management, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and evidence-based medicine. The guideline follows the RIGHT checklist and is registered with the International Practice Guideline Registry Platform. The literature review incorporates systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to March 2023, focusing on the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on pain intensity, fatigue, sleep quality, mood, and quality of life. A total of 57 studies were included, with findings supporting acupuncture and health education as core therapies. These interventions significantly reduce pain, alleviate fatigue, and improve sleep quality, and are strongly recommended based on moderate-quality evidence. Additionally, aerobic exercise and resistance training are recommended for their proven effectiveness in reducing pain, enhancing physical function, and providing long-term benefits. Emerging therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and nutritional supplements, show promise but require further research due to low-certainty evidence.
consensus / evidence-based / fibromyalgia / nonpharmacological treatments / traditional Chinese medicine
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Working Group for Development of Practice Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Fibromyalgia in China, Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Beijing Medical Association, Psychosomatic Rheumatology Collaboration Group of Psychosomatic Medicine Society of Chinese Medical Association, “Chinese Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Fibromyalgia (2021),” Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 1 (2022): 1-12. |
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Chinese Society of Rheumatology, Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese and Western Medicine Research Group of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Rheumatism Immunology Committee, Cross-Straits Medical and Health Exchange Association, Capital Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Rheumatism Immunology, “Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome,” Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine 2 (2023): 129-146. |
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2025 The Author(s). Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine published by Chinese Cochrane Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
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