The Multifaceted Benefits of Photobiomodulation Therapy
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition characterized by sensory hypersensitivity, which affects a significant portion of the population and often leads to a decrease in quality of life, increased anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. Finding an effective treatment for this debilitating condition has been a priority in medical research. One emerging non-pharmacological, non-invasive, relatively economical, and safe modality that has shown promising results is Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy.
PBM therapy involves the use of light to modulate cellular function. In 2022, the FDA approved a laser therapy device to treat fibromyalgia, highlighting the potential of this treatment modality. Recent studies have further supported the efficacy of PBM therapy in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. For example, a study conducted by Navarro-Ledesma et al. in 2023 (PMID: 36369323) revealed that whole-body PBM therapy significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life and psychological factors such as kinesiophobia (fear of movement) and self-efficacy in fibromyalgia patients. Additionally, another triple-blind study concluded that PBM therapy may result in changes in circadian blood pressure, pain pressure threshold, and tissue elasticity (Navarro-Ledesma et al, 2022, PMID: 36359198).
Similarly, another study by da Silva et al. in 2018 (PMID: 29170901) evaluated the effectiveness of phototherapy and exercise training (EXT) in women with fibromyalgia. The study found that both therapies improved the pain threshold, but a more substantial effect was noticed for the combined therapy, which also improved quality of life and reduced anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and tender point numbers.
These studies suggest that whole-body PBM therapy offers a new multifactorial treatment approach with potential benefits for those suffering from fibromyalgia. It not only results in a significant reduction in pain but also improves the quality of life and positively impacts psychological factors. Although these findings are promising, researchers agree that more studies are needed to corroborate the results and understand the underlying mechanisms better.
In summary, whole-body photobiomodulation therapy appears to be a promising, non-invasive, and safe treatment for fibromyalgia. It has the potential to significantly reduce pain, improve the quality of life, and positively affect psychological factors such as kinesiophobia and self-efficacy. With the FDA’s recent approval of a laser therapy device for fibromyalgia treatment, there is growing optimism that PBM therapy could become a standard part of the treatment regimen for this debilitating condition. However, as with any new treatment modality, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms fully. For now, PBM therapy presents a ray of hope for the many individuals worldwide battling fibromyalgia.
