Chronic Pain Syndromes
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic central-sensitisation syndrome of widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep and cognitive symptoms. HBOT research has reported reduced pain and improved function alongside changes in brain activity, suggesting a neurological rather than purely subjective effect. The evidence is anchored largely to a single research group; HBOT for fibromyalgia remains investigational.
Evidence summary
Chronic central sensitisation syndrome characterised by widespread pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive symptoms. A 2015 prospective controlled trial reported significant improvements in pain, tender points, quality of life, and brain activity patterns after 40 HBOT sessions at 2.0 ATA. Two independent 2023 meta-analyses pooled randomised data and confirmed improvements in function, tender points, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life — though the magnitude of pain reduction varied between pooled analyses. A separate 2023 RCT in fibromyalgia patients with a history of traumatic brain injury reported significant pain and symptom improvements with HBOT compared to pharmacological treatment (60 sessions, 2.0 ATA). The seminal RCT remains anchored to a single research group, but meta-analytic confirmation provides supporting evidence.
Treatment protocol
Protocol
Pressure
2.0 ATA
Duration
90 min
Sessions
40
Frequency
5×/week
Evidence basis: Efrati et al., 2015 (prospective controlled trial)
References:
See full citations on the references page.
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