Effect of photobiomodulation on pain relief and functional improvement in fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Weifeng Wang; Ruijuan Xiu; Xiaohua Zhao; Xueling Qiu; Lu Tang

doi:10.1080/07853890.2026.2667061

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Effect of photobiomodulation on pain relief and functional improvement in fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Weifeng Wang·Ruijuan Xiu·Xiaohua Zhao·Xueling Qiu·Lu Tang

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Fractures, the most common type of trauma, can cause considerable distress to patients. Pain can not only affect the comfort of fracture patients but also delay their participation in rehabilitation training. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been associated with pain reduction and the promotion of tissue healing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PBM in reducing pain and promoting rehabilitation in patients with fractures. METHODS: This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024591373). We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science for RCTs that investigated PBM in fractures as of August 2025. The primary outcome was the pain score. The secondary outcomes included functional and healing. RESULT: Finally, 12 and 9 studies were ultimately included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The pooled analysis showed that the one-week pain score was lower in the PBM group than in the placebo group (MD -0.74, 95% CI -1.00, -0.47, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis showed that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant regardless of fracture site or acupoint irradiation. Changes in pain scores were statistically significant in both groups at different wavelength combinations. The improvement in grip strength at 4 weeks was significantly greater in PBM than in placebo (MD 5.03, 95% CI 4.29, 5.78; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0%). There were no significant differences in pain and functional scores at 4-26 weeks. Bone healing did not show differences between the two groups. No side effects reported. CONCLUSION: PBM appears to relieve short-term pain in fractures and improve grip strength in patients with upper limb fractures, but does not show significant long-term benefits. Evidence for mandibular functional recovery and bone healing remains inconsistent. Future studies should determine therapeutic parameters and their impact on bone healing and long-term functional outcomes across fracture types.

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Humans Low-Level Light Therapy Fractures, Bone Pain Management Pain Measurement Pain Fracture Healing Treatment Outcome Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic Photobiomodulation Rehabilitation fracture low-level laser therapy pain Systematic Review Journal Article Meta-Analysis Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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Weifeng Wang, Ruijuan Xiu, Xiaohua Zhao, Xueling Qiu, Lu Tang. 2026-05-04. Effect of photobiomodulation on pain relief and functional improvement in fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2026.2667061

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Fracture Healing subject Fractures, Bone subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Low-Level Light Therapy subject Meta-Analysis subject Pain subject Pain Management subject Pain Measurement subject Systematic Review; Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't resource Systematic reviews study fracture subject low-level laser therapy subject

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