Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain and tenderness. According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 4 million adults in the US are affected by this condition, which is close to 2% of the total adult population.[1] Moreover, women are twice more likely to have fibromyalgia than men.
Research suggests that Laser Therapy, also called photobiomodulation, can be effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects which promote healing and accelerate tissue regeneration.[2] Using Laser Therapy also known as Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of fibromyalgia promises positive results.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is among the least understood diseases in medicine today. It is difficult to diagnose, and the causes of this condition are largely unknown.[3] The people who suffer from this condition experience relentless pain and even disability which can lead to a decreased quality of life. It increases the chances of depressive illness and other rheumatic conditions too.
Here are some of the symptoms commonly associated with Fibromyalgia:
- Pain, stiffness, and tenderness leading to constant fatigue
- Depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Frequent headaches and migraine
- Memory loss and lack of concentration (commonly called fibro fog)
Conventional treatment for fibromyalgia includes analgesics, NSAIDs, and anti-depressants, which can be ineffective in some cases. Patients are prescribed varying potencies of doses according to their condition. Since these drugs pose several side effects, including dependence, the medical community is now trying to find non-pharmacological alternatives. Laser Therapy can be used either alone or as an adjunct to other treatments to effectively manage the pain, tenderness, and inflammation associated with fibromyalgia, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Laser Therapy And Fibromyalgia
In recent years, the therapeutic use of laser photostimulation has seen important advances due to a greater understanding of the process involved in laser therapy.[4] Several studies have shown the advantages that can be obtained by using lasers in clinical practice.
Phototherapy or photobiomodulation has been shown to alter the redox status in the mitochondria, leading to enhanced ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis. Here are some other chemical events ignited by photobiomodulation according to research:[5]
- Increases cellular metabolism, leading to accelerated cell regeneration
- Stimulates anti-inflammatory responses and cell growth
- Reduces edema and fibrous tissue formation
- Stimulates NO (Nitric Oxide) production
- Promotes endorphin production
What Does Research Say?
Many applicable studies demonstrate the efficacy of photobiomodulation in treating patients with fibromyalgia, causing pain relief and increased mobility. One study found a consistent relief from fibromyalgia symptoms due to Laser Therapy Treatment.[6] Another shows reduced pain and increased mobility among 546 patients out of 846.[7] Another single-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 40 female patients who were treated with lasers for two weeks.[8] The patients showed decreased muscle spasms, stiffness, pain, and tenderness.
Another study examined the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline and Laser Therapy in patients with fibromyalgia.[9] The results showed that lasers can be effective as a complement to amitriptyline or alone to address the symptoms of fibromyalgia, including muscle spasms, pain, morning stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and even depression.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed the levels of pain severity, stiffness, number of tender points, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.[10] The results showed that fibromyalgia patients who received Laser Therapy demonstrated significant improvements in all parameters. It also showed that using Laser Therapy with exercise also showed significant benefits in reducing pain and fatigue.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
Laser therapy isn’t just effective, it offers several other advantages too. Here are some of the benefits you will get if you opt for LLLT:
Painless Treatment: Patients with fibromyalgia experience pain daily. Now you have access to pain-less, non-invasive, and FDA-cleared devices that do not pose any pain.
Drug-Free Treatment: Relying on drugs to manage musculoskeletal pain can lead to side effects and addiction to opioids. Laser Therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment, so no threats of side effects. Moreover, it doesn’t interact with medicines.
Customizable Treatment: One laser device can be used for a variety of disorders. Additionally, these devices allow customizable adjustments to suit your needs.
Clinical research has shown that LLLT can be an effective standalone or adjunct treatment for the management of fibromyalgia. If you are looking for ways to get relief from chronic pain, using safe, painless, non-invasive, and economical methods, Laser Therapy may be a practical option. Check out our FDA-cleared laser devices with customizable settings. Contact us if you have more questions, and we would be happy to help.
Citations
[1] CDC. (2022, May 25). Basic information about fibromyalgia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/fibromyalgia.htm#:~:text=Fibromyalgia%20affects%20about%204%20million,be%20effectively%20treated%20and%20managed
[2] de Carvalho, P.d.T.C., Leal-Junior, E.C.P., Alves, A.C.A. et al. Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain, quality of life and sleep in patients with fibromyalgia: study protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Trials 13, 221 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-13-221
[3] Navarro-Ledesma S, Gonzalez-Muñoz A, Carroll J, Burton P. Short- and long-term effects of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, functionality, tissue quality, central sensitisation and psychological factors in a population suffering from fibromyalgia: protocol for a triple-blinded randomised clinical trial. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2022 Feb 21;13:20406223221078095. doi: 10.1177/20406223221078095. PMID: 35222905; PMCID: PMC8864274.
[4] Kneebone WJ. Practical Applications of Low Level Laser Therapy. Pract Pain Manag. Nov 2006. 6(8
[5] da Rosa AS, Dos Santos AF, da Silva MM, Facco GG, Perreira DM, Alves AC, Leal Junior EC, de Carvalho Pde T: Effects of low-level laser therapy at wavelengths of 660 and 808 nm in experimental model of osteoarthritis. Photochem Photobiol. 2012, 88: 161-166. 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2011.01032.x.
[6] Ruaro JA, Fréz AR, Ruaro MB, Nicolau RA. Low-level laser therapy to treat fibromyalgia. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 Nov;29(6):1815-9. doi: 10.1007/s10103-014-1566-8. Epub 2014 May 7. PMID: 24801056.
[7] Longo L, Simunovic Z, Postiglione M, Postiglione M. Laser therapy for fibromyositic rheumatisms. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 1997;15(5):217-20. doi: 10.1089/clm.1997.15.217. PMID: 9612173.
[8] Gür A, Karakoç M, Nas K, Cevik R, Saraç J, Demir E. Efficacy of low power laser therapy in fibromyalgia: a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2002;17(1):57-61. doi: 10.1007/s10103-002-8267-4. PMID: 11845369.
[9] Gur A, Karokok M, Nas K, et al. Effects of Low Power Laser and Low Dose Amitriptyline Therapy on Clinical Symptoms and Quality of Life in Fibromyalgia: A Single-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial. Rheumatol Int. 2002. 2(5): 188-193.
[10] Yeh SW, Hong CH, Shih MC, Tam KW, Huang YH, Kuan YC. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2019 May;22(3):241-254. PMID: 31151332.
Image Credit: <ahref=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-woman-standing-touching-lower-back-feeling-painful-sensations-high-quality-photo_14265190.htm#query=fibromyalgia&position=33&from_view=search&track=sph”>Image by azerbaijan_stockers</a> on Freepik
