NCT07421609

Effectiveness of the Strain Counterstrain Technique in Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Effect of the Strain Counterstrain Technique in Women With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 105 (actual)
• Sponsor: Hasan Kalyoncu University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study evaluates whether strain counterstrain therapy affects pain, fatigue, psychological status, and quality of life in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants are assigned to one of three groups: a control group, a conservative treatment group, or a conservative treatment plus strain counterstrain therapy group. Treatment sessions are conducted five days per week for three weeks. Outcomes are assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement scales. The purpose is to compare changes among groups and determine the effects of adding strain counterstrain therapy to conservative treatment.

Detailed description

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and functional limitations that may negatively affect psychological well-being and quality of life. Nonpharmacological approaches are commonly used in management and may support symptom control and functional improvement. Manual therapy techniques are among the interventions applied to address musculoskeletal symptoms. This study is designed to investigate the effects of strain counterstrain therapy in individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants are assigned to different intervention groups receiving either standard care alone or standard care combined with a manual therapy approach. The intervention is administered according to a structured treatment protocol over a defined study period. Outcome measures evaluate changes in pain, fatigue, psychological status, and quality of life using validated assessment instruments.

Conditions

• Fibromyalgia
• Physiotherapy
• Pain
• Strain Counterstrain Technique

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Conservative Physiotherapy Program	The conservative physiotherapy program consists of standard physical therapy modalities applied according to a structured treatment protocol. Sessions are conducted five days per week for three weeks and include routinely used physiotherapy approaches intended to support symptom management and functional improvement.
PROCEDURE	Strain Counterstrain Therapy	Strain counterstrain therapy is a manual therapy technique applied by a trained therapist using passive positioning methods intended to reduce musculoskeletal tenderness and improve comfort. The intervention is administered according to a structured treatment protocol during scheduled sessions over the study period.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-04
• Primary completion: 2025-11-12
• Completion: 2025-12-01
• First posted: 2026-02-19
• Last updated: 2026-02-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)