Monthly Archives: January 2015

Literature watch update: End 2014

Posted on 26 January 2015 by James Carroll

130 new LLLT papers for you including a systematic review on shoulder tendinopathies, a lovely article review in an orthopaedics journal by Howard Cotler, four systematic reviews on orthodontic tooth movement, a trial showing LEDs improve sperm motility, another systematic review on oral mucositis and much more.

The Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Haslerud S, Magnussen LH, Joensen J, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM

Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, NorPhyPain Research Group, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Physiotherapy Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Posted in Research | Leave a comment

BMJ snubs LLLT for neck pain again, but gives drugs with no evidence a pass

Posted on 25 January 2015 by James Carroll

As reported here in 2013 there are no licensed drugs for non-specific neck pain because “there isn’t much specific research that shows drugs help neck pain”. For LLLT/PBM however, there are at least 16 (mostly positive) RCTs and a positive systematic review  published in The Lancet. Despite this unequivocal evidence, the 2014 revised patient advice leaflet from the BMJ fails to mention LLLT/PBM but states “your doctor may recommend one or more of the following” and goes on to list pain killers, NSAIDs, antidepressants and muscle relaxants”.

Last year I pursued someone at the BMJ, supplied them with the necessary data including controversial papers and rebuttals (5 months ahead of online publication on their own website). I obtained confirmation it was … Continue reading →

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Pubmed to adopt “Photobiomodulation Therapy” as a MeSH term

Posted on 25 January 2015 by James Carroll

The US National Library of Medicine (NLM) plans to adopt “Photobiomodulation Therapy” (PBMT) as an official MeSH term in November 2015.

Why this is important?

Posted in THE FUTURE OF PBM/LLLT | Leave a comment