Infrared and Laser for Pain and Healing of Postpartum Perineal Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The effectiveness of far-infrared radiation (FIR) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for postpartum pelvic floor pain and healing remains unclear. The study proposes that FIR and LLLT may be more effective than no treatment or standard conservative approaches in relieving pain and enhancing tissue healing after childbirth-related perineal trauma.

The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO. The systematic search was conducted between February and March 2024. Randomized and quasi-experimental trials for pain and healing of postpartum perineal injuries were included. PEDro scale and ROBINS-2 were used to evaluate the studies. Fixed or random effects models based on study heterogeneity were calculated using the I² statistic from RevMan 5.4.1.

Nine studies met criteria and were included in the review. Five were included in the meta-analyses. Three investigated the effects of FIR compared to no treatment or sitz baths for pain relief without differences between the interventions [-0.54; 95% CI (-2.26, 1.18), p = 0.54]. Two studies compared LLLT and placebo/sham therapy with no differences between them on pain in two moments: at 20-24 h [0.12; 95% CI (-1.74, 1.98), p = 0.90] and at 40-48 h postpartum [-0.02; 95% CI (-1.89, 1.84), p = 0.98]; and no differences between the treatments on healing were evidenced at 20-24 h [0.30; 95% CI (-0.35, 0.95), p = 0.36], and at 40-48 h postpartum [-0.02; 95% CI (-1.89, 1.84), p = 0.98].

FIR and LLLT showed no added benefit over conventional treatments for pain relief and wound healing in perineal injuries post-vaginal delivery.