Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain and Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis and Other Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
22 Trials, 1,063 Participants
SOURCE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31662383/
REFERENCE
45
NICE
REFERENCE
123
organisation
PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
TITLE
Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain and Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis and Other Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
22 Trials, 1,063 Participants
SOURCE
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31662383/
DISC COMMENTARY
This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 22 placebo-controlled randomised trials, involving just over 1,000 people, to assess how well low-level laser therapy works for pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions. It also reviewed safety data across all included trials.
What was studied?
The review analysed 22 placebo-controlled trials of low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis and related conditions, comparing pain and disability outcomes against placebo immediately after treatment and over the following 1 to 12 weeks.
What did they find?
Laser therapy produced a real, statistically significant reduction in pain compared with placebo, strongest when recommended doses and wavelengths were used, with pain reduction continuing to grow over the following weeks. Disability scores also improved significantly, and no adverse events were reported across any trial.
Why it matters
This gives good, specific evidence that laser therapy is not just a placebo add-on. Used at the right dose, it produces a real, measurable reduction in pain with an excellent safety record.
Why we included it
It reinforces a wider theme: effectiveness in evidence-based care often depends on using the properly researched dose, not just the technology itself, a distinction that separates genuine treatment from token or symbolic use.
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What was studied?
The review analysed 22 placebo-controlled trials of low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis and related conditions, comparing pain and disability outcomes against placebo immediately after treatment and over the following 1 to 12 weeks.
What did they find?
Laser therapy produced a real, statistically significant reduction in pain compared with placebo, strongest when recommended doses and wavelengths were used, with pain reduction continuing to grow over the following weeks. Disability scores also improved significantly, and no adverse events were reported across any trial.
Why it matters
This gives good, specific evidence that laser therapy is not just a placebo add-on. Used at the right dose, it produces a real, measurable reduction in pain with an excellent safety record.
Why we included it
It reinforces a wider theme: effectiveness in evidence-based care often depends on using the properly researched dose, not just the technology itself, a distinction that separates genuine treatment from token or symbolic use.