INTERVENCIÓN FISIOTERAPÉUTICA EN CICATRICES, REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA

Abstract

This systematic review examines the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of scars, pain attenuation, reduction of functional limitation, and mitigation of negative psychosocial effects. The article aims to assess the evidence of physiotherapy interventions in scar management, elucidate the features of such non-invasive treatment, and highlight its favorable effects. A database search was conducted using the terms "physical therapy" AND "scar." Following the PRISMA statement, 163 documents were identified, 109 were screened, and 25 articles were evaluated. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were selected. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro and AMSTAR-2 scales. Numeric Pain Rating Scales (NRS), Vancouver Scar Scales (VSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were employed to evaluate intervention effectiveness. Positive effects of physiotherapy on scar characteristics, improvements in symptoms such as pain and itching, and physical attributes like elasticity and pigmentation were observed. Modalities such as massage therapy, exercises, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and ultrasound were studied. However, study heterogeneity limits the selection of a specific technique. Further randomized controlled trials with long-term followup are needed.