A recent comprehensive review published in Lasers in Medical Science explores the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in managing shoulder and neck pain and associated disabilities. The study, titled “Photobiomodulation on shoulder and neck pain and disability: A comprehensive review,” was conducted by Francisco Cidral-Filho and colleagues.
Key Highlights:
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Scope of Review: The authors analyzed 36 clinical studies focusing on the application of PBM therapy for alleviating pain or disability in patients with shoulder and neck conditions. Among these, 12 studies addressed neck conditions, 24 focused on shoulder conditions, and one study examined both areas concurrently.
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Promising Outcomes: The review indicates that PBM therapy shows promising results, particularly in pain relief and functional improvements for shoulder and neck conditions. Infrared wavelengths were the most commonly utilized in these studies.
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Frequently Studied Conditions: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) and Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) were the most frequently investigated conditions in the context of PBM therapy.
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Identified Research Gaps: The review highlights a lack of studies focusing on chronic and complex conditions such as cervical osteoarthritis and post-stroke shoulder pain, indicating areas where further research is needed.
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Safety and Non-Invasiveness: PBM was found to be a safe and non-invasive therapeutic option for managing shoulder and neck pain.
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Need for Standardization: Despite positive outcomes, the review notes variability in PBM protocols across studies, underscoring the need for further standardized trials to confirm its effectiveness across diverse conditions.
The authors conclude that PBM therapy holds promise for shoulder and neck conditions, particularly in terms of pain relief and functional improvements. They call for more standardized trials to confirm its effectiveness across various conditions.
For those interested in exploring the detailed findings and insights, the full review is accessible through PubMed:
This review updates current knowledge, highlights key findings, and provides direction for future research and clinical applications in the field of PBM therapy for shoulder and neck pain.
