THE USE OF CANNABIDIOL AS A PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC PAIN – INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Chronic pain is a persistent problem that affects patients’ quality of life and often does not respond satisfactorily to conventional treatments. The biopsychosocial model of pain highlights the need for therapeutic approaches that integrate physical, psychological, and social factors for more effective management. In this context, cannabidiol (CBD), derived from Cannabis sativa, emerges as a promising option, offering analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. This study aimed to analyze the impact of using cannabidiol as an adjunct in the physiotherapeutic treatment of chronic pain through an integrative literature review. The methodology involved searching and analyzing studies published in the last ten years across scientific databases such as LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, and BIREME. Observational and experimental articles focusing on the effectiveness of CBD in reducing chronic pain and improving physical functionality in patients undergoing physiotherapy were included. Data such as authors, objectives, methodologies, and study results were organized for qualitative analysis and synthesis.The results indicated that using CBD as a complement to physiotherapy practices can enhance chronic pain relief, facilitating patient adherence to treatment. Studies demonstrated a significant        reduction in perceived pain and improvement in patients’ mobility and physical function, particularly when applied topically (such as creams and gels) in combination with physiotherapy techniques. In conclusion, CBD appears to be a potentially valuable resource in chronic pain management, providing a safe alternative for patients and physiotherapy professionals. However, adopting this approach requires consideration of regulatory guidelines and a critical analysis of available scientific evidence. Continued research is recommended to deepen understanding of CBD’s mechanisms of action and its application in clinical physiotherapy practice.