Photobiomodulation in chronic pain: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 41710353 · doi:10.3389/fnint.2026.1717372
What was done
Authors searched five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, MEDLINE) for randomized clinical trials published between September 2015 and September 2025. They included trials comparing photobiomodulation (PBM) to placebo, sham, or conventional care in adults with chronic pain conditions. The primary outcome was pain intensity, with secondary outcomes including functional gains, quality of life, and adverse events.
What was found
Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included covering fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathies, orofacial pain, and musculoskeletal pain. The abstract reports no pooled numeric effect estimates or total participant counts. Most trials demonstrated significant pain reduction with PBM (particularly in fibromyalgia and neuropathy), with some showing functional and quality of life improvements and a low incidence of adverse events.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes recent randomized evidence for photobiomodulation across multiple chronic pain conditions, supporting its analgesic potential and safety as a non-pharmacological option.
Limits
No quantitative effect sizes or participant numbers are provided in the abstract. Clinical and technical parameters (wavelength, dosage, delivery) varied substantially across trials, and limited follow-up durations prevent long-term efficacy conclusions or standardized dosing guidelines.
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