THE USE OF THE MANUAL SHIATSU TECHNIQUE TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS RESULTING FROM FIBROMYALGIA Karina Oliveira Morales, Beatriz Santos Passarelli, Ednatânia Felix Casimiro, Jessica Coutinho Pereira, Paulo César Porto Deliberato, Brigitte Rieckmann Martins dos Santos

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM), defined as a rheumatic syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by diffuse and intense neuromuscular pain that persists for more than three months, associated with greater pain sensitivity at points stimulated by palpation, called tender points, is a persistent disease and potentially debilitating condition that can result in a devastating effect on quality of life, affecting the patient's ability to work and daily activities, as well as family, friends and colleagues at work. Its treatment involves the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. However, there is no specific treatment that brings disease’s cure, so that alternative treatments, not contemplated in daily clinical practice, become attractive. The study aims to verify the effects of the manual Shiatsu technique in relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia, specifically the pain level and the quality of life. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were submitted to ten Shiatsu sessions, one each week. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to evaluate the quality of life. Visual Analog Pain Scale, was applied at the beginning and at the end of each session. After each session of the Shiatsu technique, as well as throughout the treatment, patients with FM presented reduction in pain and better quality of life levels. The results indicate that the Shiatsu technique brought benefits to patients with FM, regarding the pain and quality of life.