Advanced PT Pitches In to Move Research Forward

Dr. Barbara Van Gorp from the University of Iowa Rehabilitation Services & Physical Therapy presenting her research study with the support of Advanced PT in Sheboygan.

Advanced PT Pitches In to Move Research Forward The University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University Medical Center joined forces to study non-drug modalities to treat chronic pain. Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the clinical trial is focused on determining the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for individuals with fibromyalgia, neck and back pain. Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is one of five physical therapy partners helping with the study across a six-state area.

Clinicians from Advanced PT locations with expertise in working with fibromyalgia patients as well as TENS are contributing to the pragmatic clinical trial, which uses a normal healthcare setting instead of a university-based research center. The goal of the trial is to determine if the addition of TENS to physical therapy for patients with fibromyalgia helps to reduce pain, increase adherence to physical therapy, reach personal functional goals, and decrease medication use.

A recent study established the efficacy of TENS for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in fibromyalgia patients; this study seeks to gain further insights in what is considered to be the first pragmatic trial conducted in physical therapy practices.

A chronic condition, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive symptoms. Individuals with the condition often have reduced activity levels due to the fact that activity itself can increase pain. The use of a TENS unit, which delivers electrical impulses through the skin via attached electrodes, can reduce the pain signals going to the brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles.

It is hoped that the data, once collected and analyzed, will have significant ramifications for how to better treat individuals with chronic pain without the use of drugs. Advanced PT is providing eligible patients the opportunity to participate in the study. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 920.991.2561.

The following clinic locations are participating in the clinical trial, which continues through 2024:

• Appleton North (2105 E. Enterprise Ave., Suite 113, Appleton WI)

• Appleton West (1640 N. Casaloma Dr., Appleton WI)

• Fond du Lac (355 N Peters Ave., Fond du Lac WI)

• Iola (115 N. Main St., Iola WI) • Marinette (1931 Marinette Ave., Marinette WI)

• Menominee (3841 10th St. Suite A, Menominee MI)

• Ripon (401 Eureka St., Ripon WI)

• Sheboygan (2124 Kohler Memorial Dr., 110A, Sheboygan WI)

• Stevens Point North (641 N. Division St., Stevens Point WI)

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To learn more about the study from their website, click here.