Efficacy of manual lymph drainage and myofascial therapy in patients with fibromyalgia : A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease of unknown origin characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, disordered sleep and joint stiffness among other symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of manual lymph drainage and myofascial therapy in patients with fibromyalgia.

METHODS: This was a systematic review. The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ScieLo, PEDro, Dialnet, Web of Science, and Elsevier were searched for articles in English or Spanish examining the efficacy of myofascial therapy and/or manual lymph drainage to treat fibromyalgia. Of 356 articles extracted, sixteen articles and one doctoral thesis fulfilled the criteria established for inclusion.

RESULTS: The methodological quality of the studies reported in the articles was good (PEDro score 7.49 ± 1.47). The studies included compared different treatments with lymph drainage and/or myofascial therapy. Outcomes indicated improved quality of life for both therapies in all the studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Myofascial therapy and lymph drainage may be effective in patients with fibromyalgia. Further work is needed as the scientific evidence available is still insufficient.