Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
de Holanda Araujo AMP et al., 2020 · Lasers in medical science
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on immediate postpartum pain relief during cesarean section. A randomized, parallel controlled trial was carried out. In total, 88 women with immediate postpartum were divided into 4 groups: control group (n = 22), placebo group (n = 22), experimental group I (n = 22, dose of 4 J/cm2), and experimental group II (n = 22, dose of 2 J/cm2). The pain measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), algometry, and Global Change Perception Scale (GCPS) was assessed at 12, 20-24, and 44-48 h postpartum. Two LLLT sessions were performed at 12 and 24 h postpartum. A significant interaction was observed between time versus group for NRS F (2.40) = 36.80, p < 0.001 and algometry F (1.70) = 27.18, p < 0.001. GCPS revealed a significant difference between the groups during second (p = 0.04) and third evaluation (p = 0.04). The NRS and algometry presented a large effect size for the experimental groups. LLLT is an efficient method to reduce pain and enhance the GCP in postcesarean section. No significant clinical differences were found between the laser doses.
Emerging Therapies · Light Therapy
Moraes BHM et al., 2026 · Research Square (preprint)
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of PBMT (λ = 660 nm) on pain, breastfeeding quality, and healing of nipple injuries.
This randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot trial included 20 lactating postpartum women with nipple trauma. Participants were divided into PBMT (standard care + active PBMT) and Placebo (standard care + sham) groups. Interventions occurred up to seven sessions over 15 days. PBMT parameters: 660 nm, 40 mW, 10 J/cm², and 0.4 W/cm² for 10s per point (one central and four peripheral points). Assessments included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), LATCH Scale, Nipple Trauma Score (NTS), and photogrammetry.
Most participants (90%) presented bilateral excoriations or fissures. The PBMT group showed significantly greater pain reduction from the third session onward (p < 0.05), achieving total analgesia by the seventh, whereas the Placebo group maintained higher VAS scores. Although both groups improved their breastfeeding technique, the PBMT group showed superior post-intervention LATCH scores. Furthermore, PBMT significantly accelerated tissue repair from the third session onward. The PBMT group reached complete lesion regression (NTS = 0), while the Placebo group maintained residual trauma (NTS = 1).
PBMT combined with clinical management is effective for pain relief, tissue repair, and improving breastfeeding quality. It serves as a promising adjuvant resource to prevent complications and support the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding.
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
Baxter GD et al., 2017 · BMC cancer
Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is a prevalent complication secondary to cancer treatments which significantly impacts the physical and psychological health of breast cancer survivors. Previous research shows increasing use of low level laser therapy (LLLT), now commonly referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, for BCRL. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT (PBM) in the management of BCRL. Clinical trials were searched in PubMed, AMED, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to November 2016. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and adequacy of LLLT (PBM) in these clinical trials. Primary outcome measures were limb circumference/volume, and secondary outcomes included pain intensity and range of motion. Because data were clinically heterogeneous, best evidence synthesis was performed. Eleven clinical trials were identified, of which seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were chosen for analysis. Overall, the methodological quality of included RCTs was high, whereas the reporting of treatment parameters was poor. Results indicated that there is strong evidence (three high quality trials) showing LLLT (PBM) was more effective than sham treatment for limb circumference/volume reduction at a short-term follow-up. There is moderate evidence (one high quality trial) indicating that LLLT (PBM) was more effective than sham laser for short-term pain relief, and limited evidence (one low quality trial) that LLLT (PBM) was more effective than no treatment for decreasing limb swelling at short-term follow-up. Based upon the current systematic review, LLLT (PBM) may be considered an effective treatment approach for women with BCRL. Due to the limited numbers of published trials available, there is a clear need for well-designed high-quality trials in this area. The optimal treatment parameters for clinical application have yet to be elucidated.