title: Neurophysiological background for physical therapies in fibromyalgia.
abstract: This paper describes the techniques for controlling pain by the physical means that are most widely used clinically, particularly in the case of fibromyalgia. They are grouped on the basis of the physical energy used: mechanical, thermal (including magnetic and electromagnetic), and light (LASER). The main underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are gate activation, the stimulation of descending systems of pain control, and the endogenous opiate system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurophysiology & Pain Rehabilitation Unit, Rehabilitation Institute of Montescano, IRCCS, Foundation Salvatore Maugeri, Pavia, Italy. roberto.casale@fsm.it
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casale
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Atzeni
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarzi-Puttini
mesh_terms: D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome