Systolic Extinction Training (SET) for Fibromyalgia: Can it Help?

Why Systolic Extinction Training (SET) helps reduce Fibromyalgia symptoms:

SET helps reduce pain symptoms in fibromyalgia by using baroreceptor stimulation and behavioral therapy.

It disrupts pain brain patterns and increases Baroreflex Sensitivity (BRS) which is depreciated in chronic pain patients.

How Systolic Extinction Training (SET) works for Fibromyalgia:

The SET device is a non-invasive and low risk device, cardiac gated electrical stimulation to the finger. It stimulates the patient through the finger, improves known pain biomarkers, and collects patient biometric data.

The device calculates Baroreceptor Sensitivity (BRS) during every treatment and follow-up session. Chronic pain patients display a reduced BRS as compared to healthy controls.

Using BRS as a biomarker, therapists can monitor the effectiveness of the SET protocol and treatment. Freedom from pain is associated with an increase in BRS. SET combines this stimulation with operant behavioral therapy designed to put in place healthy behaviors.

The operant approach is to learn by doing rather than directly attempting a Cognitive Change (CBT). The therapy teaches about the pain network, modifies patients, and partners reward structures, and practices healthy pain and life behaviors.

How the Systolic Extinction Training (SET) is applied for Fibromyalgia:

The operant approach is to learn by doing rather than directly attempting a Cognitive Change (CBT). The therapy teaches about the pain network, modifies patients, and partners reward structures, and practices healthy pain and life behaviors. 
 
The SET device uses the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) to disrupt these patterns and renew itself through 8-minute cardiac gated electrical painful and pain-free stimulation.

When the pattern is upset, the brain is more plastic and receptive to learning. SET uses this opportunity, through operant conditioning and behavioral training, to correct maladaptive behaviors, cognitions adaptations, and the reward structures that maintain the pain.
 
During a 2-hour session, the SET device is connected for two 8-minute periods. The treatment requires 10 double sessions over 5 weeks (20 hours) with a behavioral therapist.

The use of the device and therapy is individualized and guided by a patient and therapist E-learning program that tracks results and insures standardization. It adapts to patient heterogeneity has a long-term effect and can be refreshed if needed.

Using Systolic Extinction Training (SET) for Fibromyalgia: precautions

Fibromyalgia patients who want to pursue SET need to make sure that they are not taking opioids or beta blocker or similar medication.

It is also important to note that SET does not work with personality disorders . These have to be resolved first before pursuing SET therapy.

Using Systolic Extinction Training (SET) for Fibromyalgia: side effects

SET therapy is non invasive that's why it does not have any potential side effects. However, it may be difficult for some patients to do it.

And while SET might not be effective for everyone, patients will be left better off, because now they can better understand their pain and how it works.