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Physiotherapists perceive fibromyalgia management as a multidimensional process involving validation, pain neuroscience education, individualized exercise, and group-based support to facilitate adherence and functional recovery.

This qualitative study of 13 physiotherapists in Spain identified three overarching themes: clinical validation, shifting therapeutic goals from pain reduction to function and autonomy, and the use of pain neuroscience education and individualized exercise as main strategies. Group-based interventions were noted to promote social support, motivation, and adherence, while lifestyle recommendations complemented treatment.

Last updated: Aug 16, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Physiotherapists' Clinical Reasoning and Therapeutic Strategies in Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Interpretative Study.

observational

Sanjuán-Sánchez D, Cordova-Alegre P, Poveda-López JL, Martínez-Navarro O, Rubí-Carnacea F, Briones-Vozmediano E · Journal of clinical medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified
Intervention: Qualitative exploration of physiotherapists' clinical reasoning and therapeutic strategies (no experimental intervention)
Outcome: Themes related to clinical reasoning, therapeutic strategies, adherence promotion, and functional recovery
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 13 physiotherapists with experience in fibromyalgia management across different healthcare settings in Spain

Result:

PubMed: 42590201DOI: 10.3390/jcm15156099

Mechanism Graph

Clinical validation reduces uncertainty and facilitates patient engagement
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Therapeutic goals shift from pain reduction toward function, autonomy, and participation
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Pain neuroscience education and individualized exercise are implemented as main strategies
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Group-based interventions provide social support and motivation, enhancing adherence
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Lifestyle recommendations (stable routines, social participation, work adaptation) complement treatment
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Result: Multidimensional management perceived to facilitate self-management and functional recovery

Limitations

  • ⚠Qualitative design limits generalizability to other contexts or populations
  • ⚠Self-reported perceptions of physiotherapists may not reflect actual clinical practice or patient outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key therapeutic strategies physiotherapists use for fibromyalgia?▼

Pain neuroscience education and individualized exercise are identified as the main strategies, complemented by group-based interventions and lifestyle recommendations.

How do physiotherapists promote adherence in fibromyalgia management?▼

They use clinical validation to reduce uncertainty, group-based interventions for social support and motivation, and progressively shift goals from pain reduction to function and autonomy.

What is the role of clinical validation in fibromyalgia treatment?▼

Clinical validation is a key strategy to reduce uncertainty and facilitate patient engagement in the therapeutic process.

What study design was used in this research?▼

A qualitative study within a constructivist-interpretative paradigm, using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis.

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References

  1. 1.Sanjuán-Sánchez D, Cordova-Alegre P, Poveda-López JL, Martínez-Navarro O, Rubí-Carnacea F, Briones-Vozmediano E. "Physiotherapists' Clinical Reasoning and Therapeutic Strategies in Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Interpretative Study.." Journal of clinical medicine, 2026. PMID: 42590201 DOI: 10.3390/jcm15156099
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.