PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IN THE FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common neoplasms among women in Brazil and worldwide, frequently associated with physical and functional limitations resulting from treatment. Physiotherapy has proven essential in the recovery of these patients, contributing to functional rehabilitation, pain relief, and improved quality of life. This study aimed to identify, through a integrative review, the main physiotherapeutic interventions used in functional recovery and the management of sequelae in women with breast cancer. The search was conducted in the BVS database using the descriptors "Physiotherapists," "Physiotherapy Services," and "Breast Cancer," filtering for publications in the last ten years. Following the PRISMA criteria, seven studies were included. The results indicate that techniques such as kinesiotherapy, joint mobilizations, manual lymphatic drainage, decongestive therapy, active exercises, and muscle strengthening have positive effects on reducing pain, lymphedema, and fatigue, as well as promoting greater range of motion and functionality. The interventions also showed a positive impact on the emotional aspect and self-esteem of the patients. The discussion reinforces that oncological physiotherapy, when applied from the pre-operative period to palliative care, significantly contributes to the physical and psychosocial well-being of women. It concludes that, despite the methodological limitations of this review, the findings highlight the importance of expanding access to physiotherapy practices and investing in more robust research to consolidate its effectiveness in the oncological context.