Low level laser therapy (LLLT) for rheumatoid arthritis

Concepts:
laser therapy, treatment, placebo, review, pain, LLLT, Bandolier, outcomes, control, rheumatoid arthritis, low level laser, SMD, methodological quality, standard, patients.


Summary:
There is some evidence that a minimum of four weeks of low level laser therapy (LLLT) is more effective than placebo in reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) uses a light source that is thought to generate photochemical reactions in the cells and has been used as a non-invasive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for about 10 years.

Low level laser therapy (classes I, II and III) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (Cochrane review).

Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs); adults, clinical or radiological confirmation of RA diagnosis; all types LLLT; placebo or standard treatment control, pain or other outcome measures recommended for RA trials.