REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA: EVALUATION OF PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR PAIN RELIEF AND FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic approaches in the rehabilitation of patients with fibromyalgia, focusing on pain relief and functional improvement. An integrative literature review was conducted in national and international databases (PubMed, SciELO, PEDro, Scopus, and Web of Science), covering articles published between 2005 and 2025. Included studies examined interventions such as functional and aerobic exercises, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, manual therapies, and integrative programs, considering outcomes related to pain, sleep, functionality, quality of life, and drug use. The results show that physiotherapy, when structured and supervised, promotes significant pain reduction, improved functional autonomy, decreased fatigue, and positive effects on emotional aspects. Functional exercises and hydrotherapy stood out for their consistency, while electrotherapy and manual therapies showed complementary effects. Furthermore, some studies highlighted reduced analgesic dependence, reinforcing physiotherapy as a non-pharmacological alternative. In conclusion, physiotherapy is an indispensable resource in the management of fibromyalgia, offering physical, functional, and emotional benefits. The integration of different therapeutic modalities proves promising for the overall well-being of patients.