Assessment of the Short-Term Efficacy of a Wet-Cupping Therapy Session in Alleviating Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial


Topal I., Alp S. B., Usen A., Atayoglu A. G.

International journal of traditional and complementary medicine research (Online), vol.5, no.2, pp.133-139, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of wet cupping therapy in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-arm intervention design was employed. Participants were assessed before and after treatment using various tools, including the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: A total of 20 eligible participants were enrolled. Significant reductions in pain were observed both before treatment and by the end of the first week. Additionally, notable improvements were seen in FSS and BDI scores during the first week of therapy. FIQ scores also showed marked improvement after treatment compared to baseline. Overall, wet cupping therapy had a substantial positive impact on all assessed clinical indicators of FMS. Conclusion: Wet cupping therapy effectively reduces pain, alleviates fatigue, improves mood, and enhances the overall well-being of individuals with FMS. It presents a promising therapeutic option for managing this condition.