Home β€Ί Clinical Evidence Library β€Ί Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain
Pain

When chronic pain is a perfusion problem

Fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain are associated with impaired microvascular blood flow to muscles and connective tissue. EECP improves tissue oxygenation and has shown reductions in pain scores.

↓VAS
Visual Analog Scale pain scores reduced after EECP in fibromyalgia patients
↑Oβ‚‚
Muscle tissue oxygenation improves with enhanced microvascular flow
↓Fatigue
Fatigue scores improve alongside pain reduction
Non-opioid
Drug-free pain management approach
Mechanism of Action

How EECP works for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain

STEP 01
Diastolic augmentation

Cuffs inflate in diastole, driving a wave of blood retrograde through the aorta β€” increasing coronary perfusion pressure and delivering oxygen-rich blood to ischemic tissue.

STEP 02
Nitric oxide release

Increased shear stress on the endothelium triggers release of nitric oxide β€” the body's master vasodilator β€” improving vessel tone and reducing inflammation.

STEP 03
Angiogenesis

Repeated sessions stimulate VEGF and other growth factors, promoting the formation of new collateral blood vessels in ischemic tissue.

STEP 04
Systemic vascular improvement

Endothelial function improves throughout the body β€” not just at the heart β€” producing benefits in peripheral, cerebral, and microvascular circulation.

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Research & Articles

Clinical evidence and patient resources

Click any headline to read the full article. New research and patient stories are added regularly.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Related Studies

5 studies

Peer-reviewed studies, RCTs, and meta-analyses from the EECP clinical evidence library relevant to Fibromyalgia / Chronic Pain. Click any title to access the source.

RCT
RCT
Enhanced External Counterpulsation Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines in Coronary Artery Disease (Sham-RCT) β†—

Casey DP, Beck DT, Braith RW Β· Journal of Applied Physiology (PMC) Β· 2008

Review
Microvascular Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia: Comprehensive Review β†—

Frontiers in Pain Research Β· Frontiers in Pain Research Β· 2023

Mech
Impaired Microcirculation and Nitric Oxide in Fibromyalgia β†—

Kasikcioglu E, Dinler M, Berker E Β· Medical Hypotheses Β· 2006

Mech
Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide in Fibromyalgia Pathophysiology β†—

Ozgocmen S, Ozyurt H, Sogut S, Akyol O Β· Rheumatology International Β· 2006

View all research studies in the library β†’
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page summarizes published clinical research and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. EECP is FDA-cleared for specific cardiac indications; use for other conditions is off-label and should be discussed with your physician.
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