Photobiomodulation on shoulder and neck pain and disability: A comprehensive review.

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in managing shoulder and neck pain and disability. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and ScienceDirect/EMBASE databases. The keywords used were "Low-level laser therapy", "photobiomodulation", "LASER", combined with "shoulder" or "neck". Only clinical studies written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, and German, were included. The review included 36 studies applying PBM therapy to alleviate pain or disability in patients with shoulder and neck conditions. Of these, 12 studies focused on neck conditions, and 24 studies addressed shoulder conditions, with one study concurrently examining both areas. This review on PBM therapy for shoulder and neck conditions shows promising results, particularly in pain relief and functional improvements, with infrared wavelengths being the most commonly used. Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) and Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) were the most frequently studied conditions. However, chronic and complex conditions like cervical osteoarthritis and post-stroke shoulder pain were less frequently represented, indicating a research gap. PBM was found to be a safe and non-invasive therapeutic option. Despite positive outcomes, variability in PBM protocols remains a challenge. Further standardized trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness across diverse conditions. This review updates current knowledge, highlights key findings, and provides direction for future research and clinical applications.