Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation and Exercise-Based Rehabilitation on Pain and Functional Recovery in Patients With Rotator Cuff Pathology (2025)
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This 2025 study evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), combined with exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with rotator cuff pathology, including conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, tendinosis, and rotator cuff tears.
Researchers assessed 20 patients with rotator cuff disorders and measured pain levels using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) before treatment and after six weeks of combined PBM and rehabilitation exercises.
Key Findings:
- Patients experienced a significant reduction in pain after six weeks of treatment.
- Average pain scores decreased from 7.33 ± 0.79 at baseline to 2.50 ± 0.69 after treatment.
- The improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating a strong treatment effect.
- The combination of PBM and exercise rehabilitation appeared to support both pain relief and functional recovery in patients with rotator cuff conditions.
- Researchers emphasized that PBM offers a non-pharmacological and minimally invasive treatment option for painful musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusion
The study found that combining photobiomodulation therapy with exercise-based rehabilitation significantly reduced pain and improved recovery outcomes in patients with rotator cuff pathology. The authors suggest that PBM may be a valuable adjunct treatment for shoulder rehabilitation, although larger studies are needed to further confirm its effectiveness.
Key Takeaway:
Photobiomodulation combined with therapeutic exercise may provide meaningful pain relief and functional improvement for individuals with rotator cuff injuries and related shoulder disorders.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40371595/