Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Enhancing Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Outcomes after Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.

Hadaya Mosaad Eladl; Saja Nashmi Alrashedi; Nesma M Allam; Dalia Mahmoud Abdelmonem Elsherbini; Mohamed El-Sherbiny; Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelfattah Abdelrahman; Moaz Abulfaraj

doi:10.1177/25785478261475529

PubMed · 42581717

Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Enhancing Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Outcomes after Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.

Hadaya Mosaad Eladl·Saja Nashmi Alrashedi·Nesma M Allam·Dalia Mahmoud Abdelmonem Elsherbini·Mohamed El-Sherbiny·Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelfattah Abdelrahman·Moaz Abulfaraj

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) effectively alleviate chronic pain and improve joint function and quality of life. However, postoperative recovery is often hindered by pain, edema, restricted range of motion (ROM), and muscle weakness, necessitating structured physical rehabilitation. Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) has been proposed as an adjunct modality to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of PBMT in reducing postoperative pain and edema as well as improving ROM and functional performance compared with placebo or standard physical therapy in post-arthroplasty patients. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was conducted from inception to May 31, 2025. Only prospective controlled trials assessing PBMT effects on postoperative pain, swelling, ROM, or functional performance following TKA or THA were included. Case reports, uncontrolled studies, and trials focusing on unrelated outcomes were excluded. Article selection involved title, abstract, and full-text screening, with additional studies identified through reference lists. The review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251123169). RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 133 participants) met the inclusion criteria, three studies focused on TKA, and one study examined THA. PBMT significantly improved postoperative pain and edema reduction in three trials, while two studies demonstrated enhanced ROM and functional outcomes compared with control or placebo interventions. PEDro scores ranged from 8 to 10, indicating moderate-to-high methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: PBMT shows promising short-term benefits in reducing postoperative pain and swelling and improving functional performance after knee or hip arthroplasty. However, due to heterogeneity in treatment parameters and limited high-quality trials, conclusive evidence remains insufficient. Future large-scale RCTs with standardized PBMT parameters and extended follow-up are warranted to confirm its clinical efficacy.

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Humans Low-Level Light Therapy Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee Range of Motion, Articular Postoperative Pain Treatment Outcome Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic functional performance hip arthroplasty photobiomodulation therapy postoperative pain total knee arthroplasty Journal Article Systematic Review Review

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Hadaya Mosaad Eladl, Saja Nashmi Alrashedi, Nesma M Allam, Dalia Mahmoud Abdelmonem Elsherbini, Mohamed El-Sherbiny, Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelfattah Abdelrahman, Moaz Abulfaraj. 2026-08-12. Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Enhancing Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Outcomes after Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.. https://doi.org/10.1177/25785478261475529

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Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip subject Hip arthroplasty subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Journal Article; Systematic Review; Review resource Low-Level Light Therapy subject Systematic reviews study

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