Cross-Over Study Evaluating Photobiomodulation in Pain Control in the Lower Limb.

Abstract

Introduction Photobiomodulation is an emerging treatment modality in dermatology, with increasing use in doctors' offices. Photobiomodulation is the use of various light sources in the red light (620-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-1440 nm) spectrums as a form of light therapy. Objective The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of photobiomodulation to improve pain in patients who take analgesics daily for chronic non-arterial leg ulcers. Method A cohort trial was performed with 20 patients to evaluate the improvement in pain, patient tolerance to treatment, and evolution of chronic, difficult-to-heal leg ulcers treated with low-frequency laser. Data were entered into a MicrosoftExcel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, US). Statistical analysis used the Stats Direct 3 program with significance being set at an alpha error of 5% (p-value <0.05). Results An improvement in pain immediately after the first session was experienced by 18/20 patients; these patients remained pain-free for at least four days. One patient had suffered much pain during the entire day; a biopsy with culture and antibiogram was performed with the pain improving after treating an infection with appropriate antibiotics. However, one other case reported no improvement in the pain. Conclusion Photobiomodulation is an optional adjuvant therapy to improve pain in the treatment of chronic, difficult-to-heal leg ulcers.