The Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Wound Healing and Pain Management in Skin Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive application of non-thermogenic light that is proven to promote tissue healing and alleviate pain. The authors aim to conduct the first meta-analysis, evaluating the effects of LLLT on wound healing and pain in skin wounds by comparing it to skin wounds not treated with LLLT. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed by searching the electronic databases. Eighteen randomised controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Six hundred seventy skin wounds were analysed in the study. The primary outcome measures were the percentage reduction in wound size and the rate of complete wound healing. The secondary outcome measures included the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the perineal pain score in episiotomy wounds. The percentage reduction of wound size in the LLLT group was significantly greater than that in the control group (95% confidence interval, CI, 13.93-37.70; p < 0.0001). In addition, the rate of wound healing was significantly greater in the LLLT group (95% CI, 2.32-16.70; p = 0.0003). LLLT has been shown to reduce pain, with the VAS scores for pain being significantly lower in the LLLT group after treatment (95% CI, -2.52 to -0.19; p = 0.02). The authors present the first meta-analysis within the literature showing the effects of LLLT on wound healing and pain in skin wounds. Higher quality trials are recommended to enhance the current evidence base.