Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in Reducing Pain in Cases of Tendinitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Pain is a sensation that arises after potential or actual tissue damage, and can be classified as somatic or visceral, and often results from tissue damage common in inflammatory, traumatic, invasive or ischemic situations. Tendinitis is an inflammation resulting from mechanical overload or repetitive movements, generating local inflammation and pain. This study aims to review articles that report the efficacy of photobiomodulation in tendon pain and inflammation. Methodology: This is a systematic review study, carried out by searching for articles in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Scielo and Revista Estima. National and international articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish were included. Conclusion: This systematic review concludes that the action of photobiomodulation reduces the inflammatory effects induced by thermal, chemical or mechanical actions, as in cases of tendonitis. Photobiomodulation inhibits the peak of action generated by the lesion stimulus and by the signaling to the nociceptors, preventing pain information in the dorsal horn and promoting pain control. However, there is a need for further studies in this area, as well as the standardization of the time, dosage and wavelength parameters to be used for more effective treatment.