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News
A large real-world trial found that adding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to physical therapy significantly reduced movement-evoked pain in fibromyalgia patients compared to physical therapy alone. The non-drug approach also reduced fatigue — an area with zero FDA-approved treatments. By 6 months, 80% of users still found TENS helpful, signaling strong long-term potential for this safe, accessible therapy.
Fibromyalgia patients may have a compelling new non-drug option. A pragmatic clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open found that adding TENS to standard physical therapy produced clinically meaningful reductions in movement-evoked pain compared to physical therapy alone — across 459 patients at 28 outpatient clinics. Participants used TENS on the upper and lower back for 2 hours daily, particularly during exercise and activity.
The results were striking: 41% of TENS users achieved a 30%+ reduction in movement-evoked pain versus just 13% in the physical therapy-only group. TENS also reduced resting pain and fatigue — notable given that no FDA-approved treatments exist for fibromyalgia-related fatigue. By 6 months, 80% of participants were still using TENS and reported finding it helpful.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat, and current pharmacologic options carry significant side effects. TENS offers a safe, non-invasive, and effective add-on therapy that patients can use at home — potentially transforming day-to-day pain management for millions.
