IMPACT OF PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS AND RIDING THERAPY ON PAIN MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relevance of physical therapy interventions in the treatment of Fibromyalgia (FM) and analyze the contributions of equine therapy in reducing pain and improving patients' quality of life. An integrative literature review was conducted based on articles published between 2020 and 2025, selected from databases such as PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar, using the PICO strategy to define the guiding question. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, four studies were analyzed that highlight the effectiveness of Evidence-Based Physiotherapy (EBP) in managing chronic pain and improving the function of patients with FM. Resources such as hydrotherapy and TENS have shown significant benefits in modulating pain and increasing functionality. EBP has shown complementary results, promoting physical, emotional, and social improvements through sensorimotor stimulation and therapeutic interaction with the horse, which contributes to the release of oxytocin and stress reduction. The conclusion is that the integration of physical therapy and hippotherapy enhances clinical outcomes, providing greater autonomy and well-being to patients. However, it is important to emphasize the need for individualized protocols and more robust studies that consolidate hippotherapy as a standardized therapeutic practice in the treatment of fibromyalgia.