INNV-03. BEYOND ANALGESICS: PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY AS A PARADIGM SHIFT IN PAIN MANAGEMENT

Abstract BACKGROUND Pain constitutes a primary cause of medical care demand and disability among patients. The predominant method employed for pain management entails analgesic administration. Nonetheless, prolonged use of analgesics may lead to adverse effects, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) emerges as a novel approach to pain treatment, demonstrating effective pain reduction and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aims to elucidate the impacts of PBMT on pain modulation and assess its potential for widespread application. METHODS A systematic review was conducted utilizing Boolean operators combining terms such as “Photobiomodulation” AND “Pain Management”; “Photobiomodulation therapy” AND “pain”; “PBMT” AND “Pain”. Electronic databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus were searched. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. RESULTS The systematic review revealed that PBMT is a non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective technique for pain management. It has demonstrated efficacy across various conditions, encompassing neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. PBMT can complement existing interventions such as exercise programs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or surgical procedures. However, further research with long-term follow-up is warranted to validate these findings. CONCLUSIONS PBMT emerges as a promising modality for pain management, offering a non-invasive alternative with favorable safety profiles. Its efficacy in diverse conditions underscores its potential utility as an adjunctive or standalone treatment option. Nonetheless, additional studies with extended follow-up periods are necessary to confirm and further elucidate its therapeutic benefits.