Writing Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Could simply writing about traumatic experiences be of benefit to those with persistent pain?

Writing therapy has already been shown to have health benefits in those with RA, asthma, and even breast cancer, but is it of benefit to those with fibromyalgia?

This study showed that relative to controls, patients with fibromyalgia who participated in trauma writing therapy experienced significant reductions in pain, fatigue and better psychological well-being at the 4-month follow-up.

Clinical relevance: Just 20 minutes of writing therapy, once a week for 3 weeks was of benefit to women with fibromyalgia. Some other studies recommend 15 minutes of writing at 3 times a week for 3 weeks. While others recommend writing whenever you feel it is needed.

You may look at this F.E.W. video if you wish to learn more about writing therapy. F.E.W. is free, can be done anywhere and research supports it… what more do you want?

Reference: Broderick JE et al Written emotional expression produces health benefits in fibromyalgia patients. Psychosom Med. 2005 Mar-Apr;67(2):326-34.