USE OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION IN THE TREATMENT OF BREAST POSTPARTUM INTERCURRENCY: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the evidence available in the literature about the use of photobiomodulation in the treatment of breast complications in the postpartum. Method: Integrative review of manuscripts in National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (PubMed), Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, and Scopus databases. Original articles written in Portuguese and English were included, analyzed according to the level of evidence and methodological quality. Results: The sample consisted of five articles. Based on the analysis of the results, three thematic categories were created: types of photobiomodulator used in breast complications, effects of photobiomodulators on healing of breast complications, and effects of photobiomodulators on reducing nipple pain. Both light-emitting diode (LED) and laser photobiomodulators were effective in the treatment of nipple trauma, as the application accelerated the healing process. Low-intensity laser therapy was found to be effective intreating nipple injuries in nursing mothers with pain, providing relief and prolonging exclusive breastfeeding. The single application laser protocol was not effective in reducing pain in women with damaged nipples. Conclusion: This study is an effort to mitigate existing gaps between nursing assistance and research, as it contributes to care based on evidence-based practice.