EFFICACY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of physical therapy techniques used to treat fibromyalgia, considering both short- and long-term effects on patients' quality of life and functionality. It is an integrative literature review conducted using the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and PubMed databases. Articles published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish—available in full text and free of charge—were considered, with priority given to randomized controlled trials. Following the selection process, studies evaluating various physical therapy interventions were included. Key results demonstrated the benefits of Pilates, aquatic therapy, functional exercises, multicomponent programs, and myofascial techniques in reducing pain and improving functional capacity, muscle strength, mobility, sleep, and quality of life. The study concludes that physical therapy yields positive results in the management of fibromyalgia in both the short and long term, with individualized and combined interventions playing a crucial role in symptom control and the improvement of functionality.