Martín Pérez SE - Photobiomodulation in the Management of Fibromyalgia Symptoms

This systematic review of 17 studies, involving 857 participants, reports benefits of photobiomodulation on pain, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life in fibromyalgia, with a described advantage for whole-body applications. The abstract does not provide any aggregated numerical values, and the wide variability in protocols limits the scope of these conclusions.

What this study measured

This is a systematic review without a meta-analysis: the data from the included studies were not statistically pooled, nor is this a single clinical trial. The study follows the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in advance on PROSPERO under number CRD42024626368. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Seventeen studies meeting the criteria were selected, involving a total of 857 participants. The objective was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation on pain, physical function, sleep quality, and overall well-being by comparing localized and whole-body applications.

Key Findings

The authors describe clinical benefits without providing any aggregated numerical values in the abstract. The only quantitative data available are as follows.

• 17 studies included, for a total of 857 participants
• Devices used: low-intensity lasers, infrared light, or LEDs, applied topically or to the entire body
• Reported benefits: reduced pain intensity, improved physical function, reduced fatigue, and improved quality of life
• Whole-body applications: effects described as more significant and longer-lasting than localized applications
• Other reported improvements: psychological well-being, sleep quality, and reduced kinesiophobia
• The review summary does not include any effect sizes, confidence intervals, or doses.

How photobiomodulation works for this indication

The proposed mechanisms remain hypothetical. The absorption of red and near-infrared light by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase could increase ATP production and alter the balance of oxidative stress. A reduction in local inflammation is also suggested. In fibromyalgia, which is characterized by central sensitization, the authors suggest that whole-body exposure acts through systemic modulation of nociceptive pathways and regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which would explain effects that are more widespread than those of a targeted application. These explanations are presented as hypotheses and have not been directly measured.

Limits You Should Know

The most significant limitation is the lack of a quantitative synthesis: without a meta-analysis or aggregated data, the true magnitude of the benefits remains unclear. The authors note considerable variability in treatment parameters and methodologies used, which prevents the establishment of a standard protocol. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool, and their methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale; however, the abstract does not provide a breakdown of the assessments. The conclusion explicitly calls for standardized protocols and higher-quality clinical trials before any integration into routine clinical practice.

What This Means in Practice

The management of fibromyalgia is multimodal: adapted physical activity, pain education, psychological support, and, depending on the situation, medication. Photobiomodulation is not a substitute for these approaches. The authors themselves present it as an adjunctive treatment intended to be integrated into a multidisciplinary pain management strategy. Any decision must be made in consultation with the healthcare team caring for the individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can photobiomodulation replace my fibromyalgia treatment?

No. Fibromyalgia requires a multimodal treatment approach that combines several complementary methods, and this review positions photobiomodulation as an adjunct. No data in this publication supports discontinuing or replacing a current treatment. This issue should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Should you treat the entire body or just the painful areas?

The review reports effects described as more pronounced and longer-lasting with whole-body applications than with localized applications. The authors attribute this to systemic modulation of pain pathways. However, the abstract does not specify the duration of sessions, the doses, or the number of applications performed.

How many sessions are needed?

This information is not available. The review abstract does not specify the wavelengths, doses, or frequency of sessions for the 17 included studies. Instead, the authors emphasize that the variability of these parameters is one of the main obstacles and call for standardized protocols.

Reference

Martín Pérez SE et al. Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Applied Sciences, 2025, 15(8):4161. Journal not indexed in PubMed; no PMID available. DOI 10.3390/app15084161. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084161

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Photobiomodulation is not a substitute for prescribed treatment. Consult a healthcare professional.