Non-Cochrane · intervention · PM42819314
The importance of power in photobiomodulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-intensity laser therapy.
Penberthy William Todd, Vorwaller Charles E · Frontiers in integrative neuroscience · 2026 · PubMed · doi:10.3389/fnint.2026.1914223
Findings
11 findings
| Population | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patients with any medical diagnosis treated with HILT (mainly musculoskeletal pain conditions) | High-intensity laser therapy (HILT, Class IV, >0.5 W) | Control (placebo/sham laser, LLLT, or alternative treatment, with or without common co-interventions) | Treatment-related adverse events (any) Not specified · Not specified | Proportion (%) 0.55 GRADE not reported 105 studies · 2710 participants |
| Patients with diagnosed conditions | High-intensity laser therapy, with or without co-interventions | Placebo, low-level laser therapy, or alternative treatment, with or without co-interventions | Pain intensity (VAS) After treatment to <3 months | SMD -1.15 Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency 19 studies |
| Patients with any medical diagnosis treated with HILT (mainly musculoskeletal pain conditions) | High-intensity laser therapy (HILT, Class IV, >0.5 W) | Control (placebo/sham laser, LLLT, or alternative treatment, with or without common co-interventions) | Serious adverse events Not specified · Not specified | No serious adverse events were reported; only rare, transient local reactions were described. (105 controlled trials, 2,710 HILT participants and 2,925 controls) High 105 studies · 5635 participants |
| Patients with any medical diagnosis treated with HILT (mainly musculoskeletal pain conditions) | High-intensity laser therapy (HILT, Class IV, >0.5 W) | Control (placebo/sham laser, LLLT, or alternative treatment, with or without common co-interventions) | Range of motion Not specified · Not specified | ROM improved in 25 of 26 trials, with consistent gains across knee, TMJ, spine/back, and shoulder outcomes. Certainty: Low to moderate. GRADE not reported Downgraded: risk of bias, imprecision 26 studies |
| Patients with any medical diagnosis treated with HILT (mainly musculoskeletal pain conditions) | High-intensity laser therapy (HILT, Class IV, >0.5 W) | Control (placebo/sham laser, LLLT, or alternative treatment, with or without common co-interventions) | Pain intensity (VAS) End of treatment · Not specified | SMD -1.00 Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency 53 studies |
| Patients with diagnosed conditions | High-intensity laser therapy, with or without co-interventions | Placebo, low-level laser therapy, or alternative treatment, with or without co-interventions | Pain intensity (VAS, SPADI, NPRS or WOMAC) End of treatment | SMD -1.09 [-1.33, -0.84] Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency Studies not reported |
| Patients with any medical diagnosis treated with HILT (mainly musculoskeletal pain conditions) | High-intensity laser therapy (HILT, Class IV, >0.5 W) | Control (placebo/sham laser, LLLT, or alternative treatment, with or without common co-interventions) | Pain intensity (VAS) ≥3 months follow-up · Not specified | SMD -1.01 Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency 21 studies |
| Patients with knee conditions | High-intensity laser therapy, with or without co-interventions | Placebo, low-level laser therapy, or alternative treatment, with or without co-interventions | Pain intensity (VAS) End of treatment | SMD -1.26 [-1.70, -0.81] Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency 21 studies · 948 participants |
| Patients with shoulder or arm conditions | High-intensity laser therapy, with or without co-interventions | Placebo, low-level laser therapy, or alternative treatment, with or without co-interventions | Pain intensity (VAS) End of treatment | SMD -1.55 [-2.32, -0.78] Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency 14 studies · 654 participants |
| Patients with spine or neuromuscular conditions | High-intensity laser therapy, with or without co-interventions | Placebo, low-level laser therapy, or alternative treatment, with or without co-interventions | Pain intensity (VAS) End of treatment | SMD -1.22 [-1.58, -0.86] Moderate Downgraded: risk of bias, inconsistency 15 studies · 735 participants |
| Patients with knee osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, adhesive capsulitis or subacromial impingement | HILT (Class IV, >0.5 W) | Low-level laser therapy (LLLT, ≤0.5 W) | Pain intensity (VAS) End of treatment · Not specified | SMD -1.32 [-1.91, -0.74] GRADE not reported 9 studies · 470 participants |
Included primary studies 206
Open in Studies| Study | Year | Also included by | Outcomes it informs here | Trial data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmed 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 2 other reviews | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ekici 2021 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ekici et al. 2021 Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder: A double-blind,… PMID:34174507 | 2022 | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kumar 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Nadershah et al. 2020 Photobiomodulation Therapy for Myofascial Pain in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. PMID:31988570 | 2020 | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Qataya et al. 2025 Piano level laser therapy versus epidermal growth factor injection for painful myogenic temporomandibular disorder (a randomized clinical… PMID:39912963 | 2025 | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Shabaan 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Sharma 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Sherif et al. 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Song 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Taleb 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | 1 other review | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdel-Aal 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdel-Aal et al. 2020 Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy on arthropathy of the hands in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a double-blinded,… PMID:32638614 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdelaal 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdelaal 2023 Obesity Indices and Ventilatory Function Responses to High-Level Laser Therapy in Subjects with Abdominal Obesity. PMID:36780575 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdelbasset 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdelbasset et al. 2020 A Randomized Comparative Study between High-Intensity and Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain. PMID:33178306 | 2020 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Abdelhakiem 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdelhakiem et al. 2024 Effectiveness of a high-intensity laser for improving hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial. PMID:38538637 | 2024 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Abdelmageed 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdelmageed et al. 2022 Effect of High Power Laser Therapy on Patients with Chronic Discogenic Sciatica: A Randomized Clinical Trial DOI:10.9734/jpri/2022/v34i9b35504 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Abdullatif 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abdullatif et al. 2022 Effect of high intensity laser therapy on the range of motion of facial muscles in patients with Chronic Bell’s Palsy DOI:10.6018/sportk.512711 | 2022 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abo Elyazed 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Abo Elyazed et al. 2023 Effect of high-intensity laser therapy versus shockwave therapy on selected outcome measures in osteoporotic long-term hemiparetic… PMID:37660042 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Aceituno-Gómez 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Aceituno-Gómez et al. 2019 Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in subacromial impingement syndrome: a three-month follow-up controlled clinical trial. PMID:30672303 | 2019 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ahi and Sirzai 2022 Comparison of the effectiveness of dry needling and high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a… PMID:36538189 | 2022 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ahmad 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ahmad et al. 2023 Comparison between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized,… PMID:37511894 | 2023 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ahmed et al. 2020 HIGH INTENSITY LASER THERAPY ON PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS DOI:10.21608/ejpt.2020.33415.1009 | 2020 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Akaltun 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Akaltun et al. 2020 Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind controlled randomized study. PMID:33074393 | 2021 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Akbaş 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Akbaş et al. 2025 Effect of high-intensity laser therapy on supraspinatus tendon elasticity in subacromial impingement syndrome: A double-blind randomized… PMID:40826289 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Al-sharani 2026 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Alayat 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Alayat et al. 2018 Long-Term Effect of Pulsed Nd-YAG Laser Combined with Exercise on Bone Mineral Density in Men with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: 1 Year of… PMID:29068756 | 2018 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Anupma 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Anupma et al. 2025 Effect of Class Iv Hilt on Pain and Inflammation Among Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial DOI:10.64252/5zcqaz95 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ashour 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ashour et al. 2022 Effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy on pain, grip strength and median nerve conductivity in pregnant women with carpal tunnel… PMID:35817691 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Astri 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Astri et al. 2022 The Comparison Of The Low-Level Laser Therapy And High Intensity Laser Therapy On Pain And Functional Ability In Knee Osteoarthritis DOI:10.47830/jinma-vol.72.6-2022-826 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Atan 2021 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Atan and Bahar-Ozdemir 2021 Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with adhesive capsulitis: a sham-controlled randomized controlled trial. PMID:32808147 | 2021 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Bettencourt 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Bettencourt 2020 Intracaval shunts and hepatic venous injury. PMID:2020915 | 1991 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Bilir 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Bilir et al. 2024 Comparison of high intensity laser therapy and extracorporeal shock wave in treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled… PMID:39511042 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Cantero-Téllez 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Cantero-Téllez et al. 2019 Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain Sensitivity and Motor Performance in Patients with Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint… PMID:31807782 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ceyhan 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ceyhan and Karaca 2025 The efficacy of high-intensity laser and short-wave diathermy both combined with exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a… PMID:40232660 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Chatterjee 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Chatterjee et al. 2019 Effect of deep tissue laser therapy treatment on peripheral neuropathic pain in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized… PMID:31405365 | 2019 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Chen 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Chen et al. 2018 Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in treatment of patients with lumbar disc protrusion: A randomized controlled trial. PMID:28854500 | 2018 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Chongkriengkrai 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Chongkriengkrai et al. 2023 Effectiveness of high-intensity laser application combined with splinting and therapeutic exercise in subacute de Quervain's… PMID:37783935 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ciplak 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ciplak et al. 2018 Efficiency of high intensity laser therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis DOI:10.5455/medscience.2018.07.8819 | 2018 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Dajpratham 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Dajpratham et al. 2024 Comparative effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy and ultrasound therapy for hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke patients: a… PMID:38917125 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Dundar Ahi 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Dundar Ahi and Sirzai 2023 Short-term Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy in De Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study. PMID:36974441 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ekici 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ekici 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ekici and Ordahan 2023 Evaluation of the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on function, muscle strength, range of motion, pain level, and femoral… PMID:37743421 | 2023 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ekici et al. 2022 Comparison of the Efficiency of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Patients With… PMID:34391724 | 2022 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| El-Shamy 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| El-Shamy and Abdelaal 2018 Efficacy of pulsed high-intensity laser therapy on pain, functional capacity, and gait in children with haemophilic arthropathy. PMID:27976591 | 2018 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| El-Shamy et al. 2018 Long-Term Effect of Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMID:30016193 | 2018 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Elerian 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elerian et al. 2024 A Comparative Analysis of High-Intensity Laser Therapy vs. Shock Wave Therapy in Diabetic Frozen Shoulder Management DOI:10.51847/ha5muzmtk4 | 2024 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Elkalla 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elkalla et al. 2020 Intraoral Dual Wavelength Laser Diode Therapy for Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis. PMID:32904078 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elnaggar 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elnaggar 2020a A Randomized, Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy and Non-Contact Selective-Field Radiofrequency on… PMID:32141112 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elnaggar 2020b Pulsed Nd:YAG laser: effects on pain, postural stability, and weight-bearing pattern in children with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. PMID:31628558 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elsodany 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Elsodany et al. 2018 Long-Term Effect of Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Patients with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMID:30188253 | 2018 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ezzati 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ezzati 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ezzati 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ezzati et al. 2019 A comparative study of the dose-dependent effects of low level and high intensity photobiomodulation (laser) therapy on pain and… PMID:31742366 | 2020 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ezzati et al. 2024 The Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy vs. Low-Level Laser Therapy on Functional Ability and Quadriceps Architecture in Patients with… PMID:39949479 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Gawaan et al. 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Han et al. 2025 Effects of Combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Photobiomodulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMID:40254536 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Hojjati 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Hojjati et al. 2020 The Effect of High-Power and Low-Power Lasers on Symptoms and the Nerve Conduction Study in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A… PMID:33995973 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| İnce 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| İnce et al. 2024 Clinical Efficiency of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A 12-Week Follow-up, Randomized,… PMID:37204965 | 2024 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Indolia 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Indolia and Alam 2025 Class IV Laser Therapy And NMES In Stroke Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study Of Upper Limb Motor Control Improvements In Chronic Stroke… DOI:10.64252/rdrb2g58 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Jangra 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Jangra et al. 2024 Class IV Laser Therapy as an Adjunct to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Individuals with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A… DOI:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_286_23 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Jitpimolmard 2026 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Jitpimolmard et al. 2026 Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Combined With Plantar Fascia Stretching Exercises in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis:… PMID:41719484 | 2026 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Karaca 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Karaca et al. 2022 Comparison of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy on pain, grip strength, and function in patients with… PMID:36117204 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Karakuzu Güngör 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Karakuzu Güngör 2025 Comparison of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of calcaneal spur-related symptoms:… PMID:40251681 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kaydok 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kaydok et al. 2020 Short-term Efficacy Comparison of High-intensity and Low-intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized… PMID:32637921 | 2020 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Kelini 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kelini et al. 2025 High-intensity laser therapy can improve pain, health status and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia: a single blinded-randomized… PMID:40032695 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Kenareh 2021 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kenareh et al. 2021 The Comparison of The Efficacy of Photobiomodulation and Ultrasound in the Treatment of Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain: A Randomized… PMID:34733743 | 2021 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ketz 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ketz et al. 2024 Photobiomodulation Therapy Plus Usual Care Is Better than Usual Care Alone for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMID:38179590 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Khoramdel 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Khoramdel et al. 2025 Effect of high-intensity laser therapy and mirror therapy on complex regional pain syndrome type I in the hand area: A randomized… PMID:40118675 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Koevska 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Koevska et al. 2025 Comparison of the effects of high-intensity laser with low-intensity laser in patients with knee osteoarthritis DOI:10.3889/aph.2025.6156 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Korkmaz 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Korkmaz et al. 2022 The effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of post-stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain: a prospective… PMID:33829317 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Kosehasanogullari 2026 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kosehasanogullari et al. 2026 Home Exercise With or Without High-Intensity Laser or Radial Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PMID:41664959 | 2026 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kumar and Mehta 2025 Evaluating the therapeutic benefits of high-intensity laser and ultrasound modalities in chronic coccydynia DOI:10.33545/26648318.2025.v7.i1b.77 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Kumar et al. 2025 Effect of Class Iv Laser on Pain and Lumbar Canal Diameter Among Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Placebo Controlled Trial DOI:10.64252/1s7zt371 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Laotammateep 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Laotammateep et al. 2025 Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy versus sham laser in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. PMID:39945920 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Lu et al. 2021 Clinical effects of high-intensity laser therapy on patients with chronic refractory wounds: a randomised controlled trial. PMID:34253665 | 2021 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Mostafa 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Mostafa et al. 2022 Effect of High-Power Laser Therapy Versus Shock Wave Therapy on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled… PMID:34986012 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Nadershah 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Naruseviciute 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Naruseviciute and Kubilius 2020 The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind… PMID:32513018 | 2020 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Natalia 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Natalia et al. 2024 Comparison of the Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser therapy (HILT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on Functional Improvement in… DOI:10.36408/mhjcm.v11i2.967 | 2024 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Nazari 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Nazari et al. 2019 Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in comparison with conventional physiotherapy and exercise therapy on pain and function of… PMID:30178432 | 2019 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Nouri 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Nouri et al. 2019 Efficacy of High-Power Laser in Alleviating Pain and Improving Function of Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Single-Blind… PMID:31360367 | 2019 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ordahan 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ordahan 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ordahan et al. 2018 The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial. PMID:29627888 | 2018 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ordahan et al. 2023 Efficacy of Low-level Laser Versus High-intensity Laser Therapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. PMID:37533657 | 2023 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Özgözen 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Özgözen et al. 2025 Additional effect of high-intensity laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy related to pain and function in patients with knee… PMID:40481859 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Ozlu 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Ozlu and Atilgan 2024 The effect of high-intensity laser therapy on pain and lower extremity function in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a single-blind randomized… PMID:38630331 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Qataya 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Rahbar 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Rahbar et al. 2025 The Effects of High-Power Laser Therapy on the Treatment of Patients with Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A… PMID:41255736 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Rizki 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Rizki et al. 2025 The Effectiveness of Adding High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) to Physical Exercise in Reducing Pain, Improving Muscle Strength, and… DOI:10.47830/jinma-vol.75.3-2025-1895 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Roheym 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Roheym et al. 2023 Impact of high-power laser therapy on bilateral knee osteoarthritis: A randomized trial DOI:10.56984/8zg20aa3c | 2023 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Saleh 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Saleh et al. 2025 High-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in treatment of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized, double-blind,… PMID:39757334 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Samaan 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Samaan et al. 2022 A randomized comparative study between high-intensity laser vs low-intensity pulsed ultrasound both combined with exercises for the… PMID:35678062 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Sen et al. 2024 Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in lateral… PMID:38280938 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Şen et al. 2025 Comparison of the effects of high-intensity laser therapy and low-level laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis. PMID:41042410 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Shabaan et al. 2023 Diode laser in management of loss of taste sensation in patients with post-COVID syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. PMID:37149582 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Sharma et al. 2025 Comparative efficacy of high intensity laser therapy (Class IV) and ibuprofen gel phonophoresis in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis… PMID:41114869 | 2025 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Shreestha 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Shreestha and Sharma 2024 Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of Class IV Laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound in patients with chronic neck pain: a… DOI:10.17267/2238-2704rpf.2024.e5538 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Siriratna 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Siriratna et al. 2022 Short-Term Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Alleviating Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind Randomised… PMID:36313402 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Song 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Song et al. 2018 Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of… PMID:30572425 | 2018 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Song et al. 2025 Efficacy of Combined High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Collagenase Chemonucleolysis in Lumbar Disc Herniation Management: a Prospective… PMID:40504340 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Taheri 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Taheri et al. 2023 Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy for Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial DOI:10.5812/mejrh-134330 | 2023 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Tangsriwong 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Tangsriwong et al. 2025 Effects of single-session high-intensity laser therapy on knee pain, joint position sense, and muscle strength in individuals with knee… DOI:10.25259/jmsr_32_2025 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Thabet 2018 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Thabet and Alshehri 2018 Effect of Pulsed High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain, Adhesions, and Quality of Life in Women Having Endometriosis: A Randomized… PMID:29668354 | 2018 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Thabet et al. 2018 Effect of pulsed high intensity laser therapy on delayed caesarean section healing in diabetic women. PMID:29706708 | 2018 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Thammajaree 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Thammajaree et al. 2023 Effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus high intensity laser therapy in individuals with plantar fasciitis: A randomised… PMID:37219650 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Tkocz 2021 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Tkocz et al. 2021 A Randomised-Controlled Clinical Study Examining the Effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on the Management of Painful Calcaneal… PMID:34768411 | 2021 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Uysal 2023 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Uysal et al. 2023 Comparison of the effectiveness of high-intensity laser and ultrasound therapies in adhesive capsulitis: A randomized controlled study. PMID:35964170 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Uzun 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Uzun et al. 2025 Effectiveness of high intensity laser treatment in partial supraspinatus tendon tears: a randomised controlled trial. PMID:39849169 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Venosa 2019 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Venosa et al. 2019 Comparison of high-intensity laser therapy and combination of ultrasound treatment and transcutaneous nerve stimulation in patients with… PMID:30443883 | 2019 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Verma 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Verma et al. 2022 Effectiveness of High Power Laser Therapy on Pain and Isokinetic Peak Torque in Athletes with Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A… PMID:35647184 | 2022 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Vetrici 2021 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Vetrici et al. 2021 Evaluation of Adjunctive Photobiomodulation (PBMT) for COVID-19 Pneumonia via Clinical Status and Pulmonary Severity Indices in a… PMID:33776469 | 2021 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Wibisono 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Wibisono et al. 2024 Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) And Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) On Improving Balance In Knee… DOI:10.36408/mhjcm.v11i1.984 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Wu et al. 2023 A Nonrandomized Trial of the Effects of Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation Therapy on Bell's Palsy with a Duration of Greater Than 8 Weeks. PMID:37738368 | 2023 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Xie et al. 2025 Immediate effects of high-intensity laser therapy for nonspecific neck pain: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. PMID:40313543 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Yadav 2026 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yadav et al. 2026 Effect of class IV LASER therapy along with Low-dye kinesio-taping technique or plantar fascia stretching on pain, pain pressure… PMID:41555139 | 2026 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yassin 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yassin et al. 2024 The effects of high intensity laser therapy and dry needling on clinical signs in females with upper trapezius muscle active trigger… PMID:39593460 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yesil 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yesil et al. 2020 The effect of high intensity laser therapy in the management of painful calcaneal spur: a double blind, placebo-controlled study. PMID:31478095 | 2020 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yilmaz 2020 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yilmaz et al. 2020 Comparison of high-intensity laser therapy and combination of ultrasound treatment and transcutaneous nerve stimulation on cervical pain… PMID:32147037 | 2020 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Yılmaz 2021 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yılmaz et al. 2021 The effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain, range of motion, functional capacity, quality of life, and muscle strength in… PMID:33400012 | 2022 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Yüksel 2025 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Yüksel et al. 2025 Comparison of the effectiveness of kinesiologic taping and high intensity laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomized… PMID:40113534 | 2025 | this review only | Pain intensity (VAS) | not extracted yet |
| Zaki 2022 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Zaki et al. 2022 Comparison of low level and high power laser combined with kinesiology taping on shoulder function and musculoskeletal sonography… PMID:34184965 | 2022 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Zare Bidoki 2024 matched by author and year (probable) | NR | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
| Zare Bidoki et al. 2024 Comparison of High-intensity Laser Therapy with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A… PMID:38584653 | 2024 | this review only | not stated | not extracted yet |
Overlap with other reviews
Reviews that include the same primary studies are not independent evidence. Shared counts match studies by PMID, DOI or NCT, and otherwise by author and year (a probable match). Only the non-Cochrane dental reviews have study lists, so overlap with Cochrane reviews is not counted yet.
Review question
| Element | Planned (methods) | Found (results) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | Patients with any medical diagnosis treated with HILT | Patients with knee (k=27), spine/neuromuscular (k=20), shoulder/arm (k=20), foot (k=13), hand/wrist (k=8), face/jaw (k=7), wound, bone, gynecological, brain, heart, abdominal and COVID-19 conditions (n=2,710 HILT; 2,925 controls) |
| Intervention | High-intensity laser therapy (Class IV, average power >0.5 W) | HILT, mean power 9.3 W (range 0.5 to 30 W), mean power density 19.5 W/cm2 |
| Comparison | Placebo (non-therapeutic guiding red light), LLLT, or alternative treatment/common background | Sham/placebo laser, LLLT (k=13), exercise, ultrasound, TENS, shock wave therapy, short-wave diathermy, physiotherapy or standard care |
| Outcomes | Pain, function, disability, quality of life, range of motion, nerve conduction/action potential, wound assessment, bone density, grip strength, cartilage volume, tendon tear; adverse events | VAS pain (EOT k=50 to 53; <3 months k=19; >=3 months k=21), pain by region (knee k=21, shoulder/arm k=14, spine k=15), HILT vs LLLT pain (k=9), ROM (k=26, vote count), function (k=57, vote count), QoL (k=25, vote count), adverse events (k=105) |
| Study designs | Controlled clinical trials published 2018 to May 2026 | 105 controlled clinical trials (103 randomized) |
| Timing | Not specified | End of treatment, >EOT to <3 months, >=3 months follow-up |
AMSTAR 2 items
Two independent extractors rated each item. Their ratings are shown side by side because they have not been reconciled yet. The overall rating follows Shea et al. 2017: one critical flaw gives Low, more than one gives Critically Low.
| Item | Extractor A | Extractor B | Agree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Research question includes PICO components | Yes | Yes | yes |
| 2Protocol established before the reviewcritical | Partial Yes | Partial Yes | yes |
| 3Choice of study designs explained | No | No | yes |
| 4Comprehensive literature searchcritical | Partial Yes | Partial Yes | yes |
| 5Study selection in duplicate | No | No | yes |
| 6Data extraction in duplicate | No | No | yes |
| 7List of excluded studies with reasonscritical | No | No | yes |
| 8Included studies described in detail | Partial Yes | Yes | no |
| 9Risk of bias assessed satisfactorilycritical | RCT: Partial Yes · NRSI: No | NRSI: No · RCT: Yes | no |
| 10Funding of included studies reported | No | No | yes |
| 11Appropriate meta-analysis methodscritical | RCT: No · NRSI: N/A | NRSI: N/A · RCT: Yes | no |
| 12Impact of risk of bias on the pooled results | No | No | yes |
| 13Risk of bias accounted for in interpretationcritical | Yes | Yes | yes |
| 14Heterogeneity explained | Yes | Yes | yes |
| 15Publication bias investigatedcritical | No | No | yes |
| 16Conflicts of interest reported | Yes | Yes | yes |
| Overall | Critically Low | Critically Low | yes |