Physiotherapeutic performance in improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a painful syndrome characterized by generalized chronic pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, headache, and sleep disorders. Comorbidities such as anxiety and depression are also associated. This syndrome has etiology and pathogenesis not fully clarified, and the basis of its pathophysiology is an increase in the transmission of painful stimulus, thus altering the perception of pain. Physiotherapy acts in this syndrome, mainly aiming at improving symptoms and quality of life. The main objective of this study is to present the possibilities of therapeutic treatment to improve quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. The work consists of an integrative literature review, carried out between September and December 2020. A search was carried out in the electronic databases PEDro, BVS and PubMed, using the descriptors: physiotherapy and fibromyalgia. 10 articles from 2015 to 2020 were selected. As results, the benefits of hydrotherapy, electrothermophototherapy, aerobic exercises, manual therapy, acupuncture, Kinesio taping, balneotherapy, stretching and strength training were obtained. These generated effects such as: pain reduction, anxiety and depression. In addition to decreased fatigue, improvement in sleep, muscle strength, balance and flexibility. This led to physical and mental well-being, as well as improvement in quality of life. Therefore, it can be considered that this research has scientific relevance, since it provides significant contributions on the physiotherapeutic performance in the treatment of patients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Thus, this study may contribute to future research on the theme presented. 
 Keywords: Fibromyalgia. Physical therapy. Pain. Quality of life.