Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Elseody MHAA et al., 2024 · Lasers in medical science
During the first several weeks following lactation, nipple pain frequently prevents mothers from continuing breastfeeding. To evaluate the efficacy of using Photobiomodulation (PBM) versus anti-inflammatory topical cream, on inflamed nipple, and the effect on milk production. This study was carried-out on 50 breastfeeding women with nipple pain and fissure. Our patients were divided into two groups ; study group (Group I): 25 patients received 12 sessions of PBM using Diode laser for a period of 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week every alternative day, and controlled group (Group II): 25 patients used Anti-inflammatory topical cream. Regarding inflammatory signs in both groups, Group I showed a significant decrease in redness compared to Group II at the 3rd and 4th week, and a significant decrease in nipple fissure and pain at the 3rd week. There was a significant increase in milk amount reflected on the infant's weight. We concluded that PBM was more effective in decreasing nipple pain, inflammation and subsequently milk production and infant weight than topical anti-inflammatory creams.
Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Gaitero MVC et al., 2025 · Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetricia : revista da Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia
This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on nipple trauma and pain during breastfeeding through a systematic review with a meta-analysis of selected studies. A thorough search was conducted on March 22, 2022, using the databases PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, PEDro, CINAHL, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, Web of Science, TRIP, DARE, and ProQuest. The search terms included various combinations of low-level laser therapy, nipple pain, nipple trauma, and breastfeeding. Out of 107 articles identified, only three controlled and randomized clinical trials was included. The extracted data encompassed breast and trauma characteristics, treatment types, outcomes (pain and healing process), evaluation tools, LLLT usage, laser brand, and parameters. Data extraction was performed using RAYYAN for systematic reviews. The risk of bias in the studies was evaluated. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). The included studies did not use validated tools for assessing physical conditions. All studies employed LLLT with a 660-nm wavelength, though there were variations in equipment power, energy dose, and application methods. The meta-analysis revealed an average difference of -0.60 points (95% CI: -1.52 to 0.31) in the VAS pain scores between the LLLT and control groups. No heterogeneity was observed among the studies (I2=0%), indicating no significant difference in pain relief between LLLT (red light) and control groups. LLLT may offer a promising option for managing breastfeeding-related complications, though further research is required.
Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Abdoelmagd SR et al., 2025 · Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery
This study was conducted to investigate whether the addition of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) is more effective in treating postpartum coccydynia compared with either modality alone. Postpartum coccydynia is a widespread condition that significantly affects the quality of life. Inflammation as a response to childbirth trauma and weakening of the muscles and ligaments attached to the coccyx are presumed causes of postpartum coccydynia. Finding effective modalities to manage this condition will help the quality of life for most women. Sixty women aged 25-35 years with postpartum coccydynia ≥6 weeks were randomly allocated to Group A (PBMT + hot pack + PFEs), Group B (PBMT + hot pack), and Group C (placebo PBMT + hot pack + PFEs). All groups received 12 sessions over 4 weeks of hot packs plus their allocated active treatment (PBMT and/or PFEs). Outcomes were pain intensity (visual analog scale), lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM) (modified Schober test), and self-reported disability (Oswestry Disability Index). The assessors were blinded to group allocation. All the measured outcomes showed significant differences (p < 0.001), with the superiority of Group A over the other groups (p < 0.001). Within groups, all groups showed statistically significant improvement from baseline across outcomes (p < 0.05). Adding PBMT to PFEs is recommended in the management of postpartum coccydynia as this combination resulted in greater reductions in pain and disability, along with improved lumbar flexion ROM.
Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Traverzim MA et al., 2021 · Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery
Pain during labor can be a barrier when choosing vaginal delivery. In an attempt to relief pain during labor, several pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods are proposed. To assess the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation on analgesia during labor. A clinical trial was conducted with 29 women who were divided into two groups: G1 (experimental group-LED) and G2 (control group-hot shower). In the experimental group, an LED plate with red and infrared merged [red 660 ± 20 nm, 5 mW/cm2, 3 J per LED (108 J) and infrared 850 ± 20 nm, 5 mW/cm2, 3 J per LED (108 J), total energy = 216 J] was placed on the subjects' dorsal region, at the level of T10 to S4, for 10 min, with the plate automatically turning off. Hot shower at controlled temperature was offered for 30 min. To verify the effect of LED on analgesia during labor, the following variables were assessed: (1) perception of pain, (2) fetal well-being assessed by cardiotocography or intermittent auscultation of fetal heart rate, (3) Apgar score at minutes 1 and 5 after birth, and (4) labor duration. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in pain reduction evidenced by a millimetric visual scale, before and after application on G1-LED (7.92 ± 1.78). Regarding the other variables, there was no statistical difference between the groups when comparing fetal well-being, Apgar score and labor duration. It is concluded that LED can be considered an alternative, since it caused pain reduction without changing other parameters during labor, compared with hot shower, a method included in hospital protocols, proving to be safe. Clinical NCT03496857.