Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain and function of patients with shoulder tendinopathy: A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-2950/19027827022020Keywords:
Tendinopathy, Shoulder, Laser Therapy, Pain, FunctionAbstract
Among the various existing physiotherapeutic
interventions, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is broadly used
for treating musculoskeletal disorders. Evidence suggests
that LLLT is effective in modulating inflammatory mediators,
contributing to tissue repair and thus being indicated for the
treatment of inflammatory conditions in general. However,
heterogeneous results have been reported regarding its
efficacy for shoulder tendinopathies. Thus, the aim of this
study was to systematically review randomized controlled
trials on the effects of LLLT on pain and function outcomes
of patients with shoulder tendinopathy. Two reviewers
independently searched the PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane,
and PEDro databases. We included randomized controlled
trials of humans diagnosed with shoulder tendinopathy and
treated with LLLT, with outcome measures of pain and/or
function. The risk of bias of each study was assessed using
the PEDro scale. Eight studies (73%) were considered as
having low risk of bias and three (27%) were considered as
having high risk. Eleven studies, involving 486 participants,
were included in this review. LLLT showed statistically significant pain reduction in 45% of the studies, and only one study
demonstrated a statistically significant increase in function. Further
systematic reviews are still needed for assessing the additive
effect of LLLT with exercise, as well as the effect of LLLT using
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