Dance therapy in fibromyalgia: A narrative review

Abstract

Importance

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a significant public health issue, particularly prevalent among women aged 20–55, with prevalence rates ranging from 2 % to 8 %. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is associated with various comorbidities, making it a complex and costly condition to treat. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as dance therapy, emerge as promising alternatives to address both the physical symptoms and psychosocial aspects of FM.

Observations

Literature review indicates that dance therapy offers multiple benefits, including improvements in mobility, quality of life, and emotional well-being for FM patients. This form of therapy has been shown to help reduce pain and enhance coping through self-expression and social connection. However, limitations in the research persist, such as a lack of standardization in intervention methods and a scarcity of studies evaluating the safety of these practices.

Conclusions and relevance

Dance-based interventions may represent an effective therapeutic tool for managing fibromyalgia, promoting both physical health and emotional well-being. As the evidence base grows, it is crucial to continue investigating different modalities of dance therapy to determine their specific benefits and standardize interventions. This could not only improve the quality of life for FM patients but also contribute to a more holistic and effective approach in treating this complex condition.