Flower power for fibromyalgia – occupational therapy programmes can reduce symptoms

Doing a floristry course may lead to improvement in pain and psychiatric symptoms for people with fibromyalgia, says a study from Israel, highlighting the need for occupational therapy programmes for people affected by the painful and debilitating condition.

A total of 61 women with fibromyalgia were recruited to join in one of two 12-week floristry courses. After completing either course, the entire study population saw better scores of physical and mental health, including pain, depression and anxiety.

“Participation in a floristry course may lead to a significant improvement in pain and psychiatric symptoms in fibromyalgia patients,” the researchers say in the Israel Medical Association Journal. “These findings highlight the potential benefit of utilizing occupational therapy programs, such as a floristry course, for improving quality of life in fibromyalgia.

Click here to read the original research.

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