Systematic review and meta-analysis of laser physical agent for pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy: subgroup analysis and meta-regression exploration of randomized control trials

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

HILT, applied alone or as an adjunctive therapy, significantly reduces pain and disability in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, while standalone LLLT shows limited effectiveness. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

Long-Huei Lin; Pei-Yu Chou; Nai-Wen Hsu; Hsin‐I Chen; Jun Dong; Chih-Chung Chen

doi:10.1080/09638288.2026.2632917

February 20, 2026Disability and Rehabilitation

Systematic review and meta-analysis of laser physical agent for pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy: subgroup analysis and meta-regression exploration of randomized control trials

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Key Points

The objective is to review the effectiveness of laser therapy for managing pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
Analyzed the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
Included subgroup analyses and meta-regression to explore variability in outcomes.
HILT significantly reduces pain and disability compared to LLLT, which shows limited effects.
The findings indicate HILT is more effective as either a standalone treatment or an adjunctive therapy.
Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and establish standardized laser dosing.

Implication

Systematic review evaluates laser therapy's impact on pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy, suggesting further research is needed.

Abstract

HILT, applied alone or as an adjunctive therapy, provides significant benefits for pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy, whereas standalone LLLT shows limited effectiveness. Further studies should examine long-term outcomes and standardized laser dosing.

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Lin et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699bee1c1c6c6bad5397fcff https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2632917

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Systematic review and meta-analysis of laser physical agent for pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy: subgroup analysis and meta-regression exploration of randomized control trials

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Systematic review and meta-analysis of laser physical agent for pain and disability in rotator cuff tendinopathy: subgroup analysis and meta-regression exploration of randomized control trials

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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