Keywords
Soccer Players
Pain Management
Quality of Life
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for managing chronic pain in football players and their effects on quality of life. Methods: This is an integrative literature review conducted in six well-defined stages, with a systematic search in the PubMed, BVS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. After using the descriptors “Chronic Pain”, “Soccer Players”, “Pain Management”, and “Quality of Life”, 473 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were identified, from which 10 studies comprised the final sample, selected following PRISMA criteria. Results: Non-pharmacological approaches, such as functional rehabilitation and electrotherapy, significantly reduced pain and improved physical performance. One study reported up to 30% improvement in functional tests and a marked reduction in VAS scores after six weeks of treatment. Pharmacological treatments alone showed immediate relief but with risks and limited effectiveness. Integrated strategies resulted in better recovery and a shorter average return-to-play time (49 days). Conclusion: It is concluded that integrated interventions are more effective in managing chronic pain in football players, promoting long-lasting relief, functional recovery, and a safe return to sport.
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