Low-level laser therapy improves pain in postcesarean section: a randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Postpartum Care

Background:

• Cesarean section is a common surgical procedure associated with significant postpartum pain.
• Effective pain management is crucial for postpartum recovery and maternal well-being.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to complement existing pain relief strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for immediate pain relief in women following cesarean section.
• To compare the effects of two different LLLT doses (4 J/cm² and 2 J/cm²) against control and placebo groups.
• To assess LLLT's impact on pain intensity and overall perception of recovery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, parallel controlled trial involving 88 women undergoing cesarean section.
• Participants were divided into four groups: control, placebo, and two experimental groups receiving LLLT at 4 J/cm² or 2 J/cm².
• Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), algometry, and Global Change Perception Scale (GCPS) at multiple postpartum time points (12, 20-24, and 44-48 hours).
• Two LLLT sessions were administered at 12 and 24 hours postpartum.

Main Results:

• A significant interaction between time and group was observed for NRS and algometry, indicating LLLT's effectiveness over time (p < 0.001).
• The Global Change Perception Scale (GCPS) showed significant differences between groups during the second and third evaluations (p = 0.04).
• Both LLLT doses demonstrated a large effect size for pain reduction (NRS and algometry), with no significant clinical differences noted between the 4 J/cm² and 2 J/cm² doses.

Conclusions:

• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an effective method for reducing postpartum pain and improving the global perception of recovery after cesarean section.
• LLLT offers a viable non-pharmacological option for managing post-cesarean pain.
• The study found no significant clinical difference in efficacy between the tested doses of 4 J/cm² and 2 J/cm².