Keywords
Physical Therapy
Aquatic therapy
Watsu
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a complex condition characterized by chronic widespread pain and a broad spectrum of symptoms. Fibromyalgia affects patients at functional, psychological, social, and economic levels, significantly impacting their overall health and quality of life. Multidisciplinary treatment is the most widely accepted approach, contributing to favorable lifestyle changes. The role of the physical therapist is crucial in the treatment of fibromyalgia, as it encompasses a significant portion of non-pharmacological management. The objective of this research is to analyze the impact of aquatic therapy as a physiotherapeutic approach in women with fibromyalgia. Methodology: A bibliographic review was conducted on evidence published between 2013 and 2023, using platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed, PEDro, and SciELO, as well as articles in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese languages. A total of 1,232 articles were identified, of which a final sample of 20 articles were selected. Results: Aquatic therapy is well supported by research for fibromyalgia treatment due to its positive effects on pain management, sleep quality, physical function, mental health, overall quality of life, and patient well-being. Watsu therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the management of both acute and chronic pain. Studies have reported significant improvements, including reduced muscle tone, stiffness, and spasm, as well as increased joint range of motion. One study confirmed the use of Watsu in patients with fibromyalgia, reporting an effectiveness of 84,7%. Several investigations analyzed aquatic aerobic exercise and found a reduction in pain ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 points on the Visual Analog Scale, along with an improvement of more than 20% in quality of life as measured by the SF-36. Conclusion: Scientific evidence supports the use of aquatic therapy as a non-pharmacological treatment for pain and stress reduction, in addition to enhancing physical and mental function in patients with fibromyalgia.
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