Physiotherapy strategies for pain management in palliative care

Abstract

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients with serious, progressive diseases, focusing on reducing physical, emotional, spiritual, and social suffering. In this context, Physical Therapy plays a key role by using techniques to relieve symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and fatigue, contributing to more humanized care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological and nonsurgical alternative interventions in improving symptoms and quality of life in this population. CONTENT: A systematic review was conducted covering practices such as acupuncture, Reiki, reflexology, manual therapies, and physical exercises, applied either alone or in combination with electrothermophototherapy. Reflexology was associated with pain reduction, while Reiki and acupressure showed benefits in relieving pain and fatigue. Physical exercises, ranging from light to high intensity, were crucial for well-being and symptom reduction in cancer patients. Additionally, manual therapies, such as lumbar massage, provided emotional benefits and pain relief, with effectiveness varying according to the intervention and patient profile. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed temporary effectiveness in pain reduction. These findings underscore the importance of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP), although further research is necessary to validate some of these practices. CONCLUSION: Alternative interventions have significant potential to promote quality of life in patients receiving palliative care, especially when tailored to individual needs. Encouraging research on these practices is essential to optimize symptom management and the patient experience.