Search Results (68)

Modern dentistry increasingly relies on light-curing units (LCUs) and lasers in essential clinical procedures such as composite resin polymerization, caries treatment, and periodontal therapy. This review aims to outline the evolution of light-emitting technologies and to assess their potential biological risks, with particular emphasis on effects on the visual system, oral tissues, and microbiome. The development of curing devices is presented chronologically, from the first-generation ultraviolet (UV-A) lamps introduced in the 1970s to current light-emitting diode (LED-LCU) systems and dental lasers (e.g., Er:YAG, Nd:YAG). The progressive increase in light intensity—now exceeding 3000 mW/cm²—has shortened curing times but simultaneously raised safety concerns. Major hazards include the so-called blue-light hazard, where exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) blue light may accelerate macular degeneration, and temperature elevations in the pulp chamber, which may damage the dentin–pulp complex. Laser radiation also exerts significant microbiological effects: Er:YAG and diode lasers demonstrate bactericidal activity against biofilms and oral pathogens (e.g., P. gingivalis), although therapeutic outcomes depend on wavelength, dose, and exposure time. Suboptimal parameters may lead to microbiome disturbances, whereas low-level laser therapy (LLLT; 600–1200 nm) supports tissue regeneration and helps restore microbial balance. The individualization of irradiation parameters, combined with thorough theoretical knowledge, operator expertise, and technical understanding of LCUs and lasers, is essential for maximizing clinical benefits while minimizing health risks and preserving oral microbiome homeostasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a leading cause of heel pain and functional impairment in adults. Laser therapy, in its low-intensity laser therapy (LLLT), high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and photobiomodulation (PBMT) modalities, has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative, although its clinical effectiveness remains a subject of debate. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in reducing pain, improving function, and modifying fascial thickness in patients with PF. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and PEDro (last search: August 2025). Randomized controlled trials comparing laser therapies versus placebo or alternative physical interventions were included. Two reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the PEDro scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for pain (VAS), heel tenderness (HTI), function (FFI, AOFAS, ASQoL, SF-36), and fascial thickness, expressing effects as standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs). Results: Thirteen trials with 784 participants were included. Laser therapy showed a significant improvement in heel tenderness (SMD = −0.40; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.09; I² = 0%). No significant differences were observed in overall pain (SMD = −0.18), function (SMD = 0.20), or fascial thickness (MD = −0.18 mm). Pain and function analyses showed high heterogeneity. Conclusions: Laser therapy may reduce heel tenderness in plantar fasciitis, but it does not consistently improve overall pain, function, or fascial thickness. Its use should be considered as a therapeutic adjunct and not as a primary intervention. Larger trials with standardized protocols are needed. Full article

Facial aging is not a singular phenomenon but a cascade of anatomical and biological transformations unfolding across the skeleton, fat, ligaments, muscles, dermis, and epidermis. Its clinical expression-volume loss, sagging, wrinkling, and surface irregularities-cannot be adequately explained by simplistic metaphors of “filling” or “lifting.” This article is a narrative review synthesizing current anatomical, physiological, and clinical evidence relevant to multimodal facial rejuvenation. Traditional monotherapies, while sometimes effective in isolation, are increasingly inadequate for contemporary patients who demand outcomes that are natural, harmonious, and durable. Modern esthetic practice has therefore shifted toward multimodal approaches that address aging across multiple planes. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers provide volumetric scaffolding and hydration; collagen stimulators such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) induce neocollagenesis and long-term dermal remodeling; botulinum toxin restores balance to muscular vectors and improves expression dynamics; while energy-based devices (EBDs), including fractional lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), enhance skin texture, tone, and elasticity. When applied in a sequenced and evidence-based manner, these modalities act synergistically to deliver results unattainable by any single intervention. In addition to established modalities, the field has recently witnessed aggressive promotion of “regenerative” therapies-growth factors, exosomes, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). While biologically plausible, their efficacy and safety remain uncertain due to the absence of robust, randomized clinical trials and the heterogeneity of current data. This raises a critical question: is aesthetic medicine advancing through science, or being driven by novelty and marketing? This review synthesizes current anatomical and physiological knowledge of aging, evaluates the mechanisms, clinical applications, and safety considerations of major treatment modalities, and proposes practical sequencing strategies. It also emphasizes the ethical imperative that aesthetic medicine, while innovative and fast-evolving, must remain anchored in scientific evidence and patient safety—because aesthetic medicine is, fundamentally, still medicine. Full article

Purpose: In this systematic review, we compare the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in treating lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was conducted from database inception to 23 June 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the two interventions. The primary outcome was pain intensity (visual analog scale or numeric rating scale). Secondary outcomes included upper-limb disability (qDASH), grip strength (pain-free or maximal), ultrasound-measured common extensor tendon thickness, and safety (adverse events and withdrawals). Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale; the certainty of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Effects were synthesized as SMD (95% CI) using random- or fixed-effects models based on heterogeneity (I²). Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria and 169 participants were included. Methodological quality was moderate, with moderate-quality evidence indicating a significant improvement in short-term and medium-term upper-limb function in favor of HILT (SMD = −0.42; 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.12 and SMD = −0.50; 95% CI: −0.94 to −0.06, respectively). Evidence ranging from low to moderate quality showed no significant differences between the HILT and ESWT groups in terms of short-term or medium-term resting pain (SMD = −0.50; 95% CI: −1.15 to 0.16 and SMD = −0.42; 95% CI: −1.06 to 0.22, respectively), short-term or medium-term activity pain (SMD = −0.38; 95% CI: −1.05 to 0.29 and SMD = −0.73; 95% CI: −1.65 to 0.19, respectively), short-term or medium-term grip strength (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI: −0.20 to 0.67 and SMD = 0.20; 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.55, respectively), or short-term or medium-term common extensor tendon thickness (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: −0.50 to 0.59 and SMD = −0.00; 95% CI: −0.55 to 0.55, respectively). Conclusions: HILT appears to offer significant benefits in improving upper-limb function at short-term (<1 month) and medium-term (1–3 months) follow-up. Regarding pain, grip strength, and tendon thickness, the pooled effects did not show clear between-group differences. Evidence certainty ranged from low to moderate, demonstrating that trials with a follow-up period beyond 3 months are needed to evaluate long-term efficacy. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO: CRD420251026387. Full article

Epilepsy remains an active and important area of research due to its complex etiology, significant global burden, and variable response to treatment. Current knowledge has provided valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease and continues to guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the etiologies of epilepsy, as well as traditional and modern medical and surgical treatment approaches, while highlighting future research directions. Peer-reviewed articles retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar were analyzed and synthesized to produce this review. The etiological complexity of epilepsy arises from genetic, metabolic, structural, and inflammatory mechanisms, which often coexist rather than act independently. A wide range of anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) is currently available, with many new agents targeting novel mechanisms under development. Surgical approaches, including resection, disconnection, corpus callosotomy, and neuromodulation, are widely used for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and result in variable seizure outcomes. In addition, minimally invasive techniques such as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), stereoelectroencephalography-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation, gamma knife radiosurgery, and high-intensity focused ultrasound have gained clinical relevance and continue to be explored. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and precision medicine, offer promising directions for future research. Although several potential biomarkers have been identified, none are yet established for routine clinical use. Continued investigation is essential to improve understanding of epileptogenesis and to develop safer, more effective therapies. Full article

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease characterized by heel pain and functional impairment. Both high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have demonstrated efficacy in managing plantar fasciitis; however, their relative effectiveness remains unclear. Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of HILT and ESWT for treating plantar fasciitis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus was conducted from inception to 13 July 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating both interventions. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the trials using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The primary outcomes of this study were pain intensity and foot function. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. Foot function was evaluated by the total scores of the Foot Function Index (FFI) and American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society Scale (AOFAS) and the activities of daily living (ADL) subscale scores of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Outcomes were assessed at the end of treatment and during short-, medium-, and long-term follow-ups. The meta-analysis utilized standardized mean differences (SMDs), assessed heterogeneity using the I² test, applied the inverse variance method for pooling continuous variables, and employed a random-effects model because of the variable study methods used across the included articles. Results with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The I² test was used to objectively measure statistical heterogeneity, with I² ≥ 50% indicating significant heterogeneity. Results: Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria, with methodological quality scores ranging from 6 to 7 on the 10-point PEDro scale. In total, 120 participants received HILT and 116 received ESWT. Regarding pain intensity (VAS), no statistically significant differences were detected between HILT and ESWT at any time point, including short-term morning pain (SMD = −0.11, 95% CI −0.42 to 0.19, p = 0.40), resting pain (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI −0.48 to 0.49, p = 0.05), and activity pain (SMD = −0.08, 95% CI −0.41 to 0.26, p = 0.89), as well as medium-term morning, resting, and activity pain (all p > 0.05). For foot function (FFI), the pooled analysis of all studies showed no significant short-term difference (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI −0.22 to 0.95, p = 0.01; I² = 73%); however, a subsequent sensitivity analysis, which excluded one studyreduced heterogeneity to 0% and revealed a significant short-term advantage of ESWT (SMD = 0.64, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.95, p < 0.01). Medium-term FFI also favored ESWT (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.92, p < 0.01). Overall, the certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to low, mainly due to risk of bias and heterogeneity, as assessed by the GRADE approach. Conclusions: While the pooled results suggested a trend toward greater functional improvement with ESWT than with HILT in the short- and medium-term, the effect sizes were small. No significant between-group differences were observed in pain-related outcomes. Given the limited number of available trials and variability in treatment protocols, current evidence remains insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the comparative efficacy of ESWT and HILT. Further high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials with standardized methodologies are needed to better inform clinical decision-making. Full article

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) represents a mechanistic subset of High-Power Laser Therapy (HPLT), distinguished by the addition of a photoacoustic component to established photochemical and photothermal effects. High-peak (kW), short-pulse emission generates pressure waves exceeding 10 kPa in water (27 °C) and approximately 100 kPa in vivo, levels that are compatible with the activation of mechanotransductive processes relevant to cellular differentiation. These pressure waves propagate several centimeters into biological tissues, extending beyond the optical penetration depth of light. We introduce Pulse Energy Dose (PED), a physically grounded and clinically oriented dose metric, to determine whether a laser system meets the photoacoustic threshold while remaining within the thermoelastic regime. Only systems combining kilowatt-range peak power, microsecond pulses, high pulse energy, and very low duty cycles (<1%) consistently induce pressure waves within the therapeutic thermoelastic regime. PED was validated against the Margheri equation, showing a strong linear correlation with calculated pressure wave amplitude (Pearson r > 0.9, p < 0.0001). Based on these results, we define operational bounds that identify high-power laser systems capable of producing reproducible photoacoustic effects within thermoelastic conditions. This framework shifts classification from average power to mechanism of action, providing guidance for safe parameter selection and supporting a mechanism-based clinical use of high-power lasers, particularly in musculoskeletal disorders, cartilage regeneration, bone healing, and deep-tissue repair. Full article

Focused ultrasound (FU) technology is extensively employed in clinical applications such as tumor ablation, Parkinson’s disease treatment, and neuropathic pain management. The safety and efficacy of FU therapy critically depend on the accurate quantification of the acoustic field, particularly the high-pressure distribution in focal region. To address the limitations of existing acoustic measurement techniques—including invasiveness, inability to measure high sound pressure, and system complexity—this study proposes a non-invasive method termed Laser Deflection Acoustic Field Quantification (LDAQ), based on the laser deflection principle. An experimental system was constructed utilizing the acousto-optic deflection effect, which incorporates precision displacement control, rotational scanning, and synchronized triggering. Through tomographic scanning, laser deflection images of the acoustic field were acquired at multiple orientations. An inversion algorithm using Radon transforms was proposed to reconstruct the refractive index gradient distributions from the variations of light intensity and spot displacement. An adaptive weighted fusion strategy was then employed to map these optical signals to the sound pressure field. To validate the LDAQ technique, an acoustic field generated by an FU transducer operating at 0.84 MHz was measured. The reconstructed results were compared with both hydrophone measurements and numerical simulations. The findings demonstrated high consistency among all three results within the focal zone. Full-field analysis yielded a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.1102 between LDAQ and simulation, and an RMSE of 0.1422 between LDAQ and hydrophone measurements. These results confirm that LDAQ enables non-invasive and high-precision quantification of megapascal-level focused acoustic fields, offering a reliable methodology for acoustic field characterization to support FU treatment optimization and device standardization. Full article

Words matter in science, particularly when they define technologies with distinct biological mechanisms. High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is often conflated with High-Power Laser Therapy or High-Level Laser Therapy (HPLT/HLLT), despite these terms referring to laser systems with fundamentally different physical properties and therapeutic effects. While many therapeutic lasers can elicit photochemical and photothermal effects, only devices delivering high-peak, short-duration pulses at very low duty cycles are able to generate acoustic pressure waves, which are characteristic of true HILT systems. These photoacoustic effects uniquely activate mechanotransduction pathways involved in cellular differentiation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and long-term tissue regeneration. This review highlights the widespread misclassification in the laser therapy literature, where devices lacking genuine photoacoustic capabilities are often incorrectly described as HILT. Such semantic ambiguity not only undermines biological specificity, but also inflates clinical claims, misleading practitioners, and obscures the comparative interpretation of clinical studies. Within the laser science community, it is widely recognized that average power alone is insufficient to characterize a therapeutic mechanism of laser therapies, as it does not provide insight into ability to generate pressure waves. To resolve these issues, we propose a mechanism-based classification that clearly distinguishes photochemical, photothermal, and photoacoustic effects. We further provide a quantitative comparison showing that systems delivering the same total energy produce peak parameters that differ by orders of magnitude depending on duty-cycle architecture, reinforcing the need for mechanism-based classification. We also advocate for greater rigor in reporting technical parameters such as peak power, pulse duration, and duty cycle. By ensuring proper terminology and transparent reporting, this framework will advance scientific rigor, facilitate accurate comparisons across studies, and improve the clinical application of regenerative medicine therapies. Full article

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is the leading global cause of disability and a major contributor to healthcare burden. Its pathogenesis reflects regenerative failure, driven by extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrosis, calcific deposition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroimmune sensitization. Conventional pharmacological therapies such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and opioids offer only transient symptomatic relief while exposing patients to systemic complications. In contrast, energy-based, drug-free regenerative interventions directly address underlying pathology and restore physiological function. This Perspective synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) on three modalities that together form a regenerative triad: extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and ultrasound-guided mechanical needling with sterile water injection (SWI). ESWT promotes mechanotransduction, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling; HILT enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics and downregulates inflammatory pathways; and SWI disrupts fibrosis and calcification while restoring neurovascular dynamics. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supports moderate-to-high certainty (GRADE B–A–) for ESWT and HILT. SWI, initially supported by large observational cohorts and comparative studies, is now reinforced by a randomized comparative trial and meta-analyses of lavage effects, justifying an upgrade from moderate (B) to moderate-to-high certainty (B–A–). Risk of bias assessment using Cochrane RoB 2.0 and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) indicates overall low-to-moderate concerns across modalities. Together, these interventions integrate mechanistic biology with translational rehabilitation practice. This Perspective outlines their mechanistic foundations, clinical evidence, and alignment with the WHO decade of healthy ageing, offering a drug-free, mechanism-based framework for sustainable CMP management. Full article

L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is a vital enzymatic drug widely used for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain lymphomas. However, its clinical application is often limited by a short plasma half-life, pronounced immunogenicity, and systemic toxicities. To address these challenges, we recently developed conjugates of L-ASNase with cationic polymers, enhancing its cytostatic activity by increasing enzyme binding with cancer cells. The present study focuses on the development of liposomal formulations of E. coli L-asparaginase (EcA) and its conjugates with cationic polymers: the natural oligoamine spermine (spm) and a synthetic polyethylenimine–polyethyleneglycol (PEI-PEG) copolymer. This approach aims to improve enzyme encapsulation efficiency and stability within liposomes. Various formulations—including EcA conjugates with polycations incorporated into 100 nm and 400 nm phosphatidylcholine/cardiolipin (PC/CL, 80/20) anionic liposomes—were synthesized as a delivery system of high enzyme load. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed successful enzyme association with liposomal carriers by identifying characteristic changes in the vibrational bands corresponding to both protein and lipid components. In vitro release studies demonstrated that encapsulating EcA formulations in liposomes more than doubled their half-release time (T_1/2), depending on the formulation. Cytotoxicity assays against Raji lymphoma cells revealed that liposomal formulations, particularly 100 nm EcA-spm liposomes, exhibited markedly superior anti-proliferative activity, reducing cell viability to 4.5%, compared to 35% for free EcA. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) provided clear visual and quantitative evidence that enhanced cellular internalization of the enzyme correlates directly with its cytostatic efficacy. Notably, formulations showing higher intracellular uptake produced greater cytotoxic effects, emphasizing that hydrolysis of asparagine inside cancer cells, rather than extracellularly, is critical for therapeutic success. Among all tested formulations, the EcA-spermine liposomal conjugate demonstrated the highest fluorescence intensity within cells providing enhanced cytotoxicity. These results strongly indicate that encapsulating cationically modified L-ASNase in liposomes is a highly promising strategy to improve targeted cellular delivery and prolonged enzymatic activity. This strategy holds significant potential for developing more effective and safer antileukemic therapies. Full article

Background: Snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are common sleep-related breathing disorders with increasing demand for minimally invasive treatment options. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er:YAG) laser therapy for these conditions. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved from major biomedical databases based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on treatment outcomes, laser parameters, patient characteristics, and adverse effects. Results: Fifty-six studies were included. Er:YAG laser treatment, particularly in non-ablative SMOOTH and long-pulse modes, significantly reduced snoring intensity and improved subjective sleep quality. High patient satisfaction (65–85%) and a favourable safety profile were observed, with adverse effects generally mild and transient. Therapeutic effects typically lasted 12–24 months, though 25–40% of patients required maintenance sessions. Treatment success was associated with BMI, oropharyngeal anatomy, smoking status, and baseline apnoea-hypopnoea index scores (AHI 5–30 events/hour). Conclusions: Er:YAG laser therapy appears to be a safe and effective short- to medium-term treatment for selected patients with snoring or mild to moderate OSA. Optimising patient selection and treatment protocols may enhance long-term outcomes. Based on moderate-quality evidence for the immediate effects and safety profile, but low to very low quality evidence for long-term outcomes, erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser treatment appears to be a potentially effective and well-tolerated option for achieving short- to medium-term improvement in carefully selected patients with primary snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. The practical significance of these findings lies in the refinement of candidate selection criteria, laser parameter settings, and the development of optimal protocols for long-term snoring control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Focal therapy (FT) and technology are closely connected. Advanced imaging allows for precise identification of the index lesion, enabling the targeted use of various thermal and non-thermal energy sources through different approaches, with specific techniques tailored to lesion location and operator expertise. This personalized approach enhances both safety and effectiveness, facilitating customized treatment planning. Methods: The International Consultation on Urological Diseases formed a committee to review the current literature on FT for prostate cancer (PCa), focusing specifically on the technique. Following in-depth discussions, the committee chose a “by lesion” approach rather than the traditional “by energy” approach to structure the review. A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted to gather relevant articles on the various energy modalities and procedural approaches used in FT for PCa. Results: Lesions in the apex, anterior, and posterior regions of the prostate can be accessed through several FT approaches, each associated with specific energy modalities and techniques. The transrectal approach utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and focal laser ablation (FLA), while the transperineal approach is compatible with energy sources such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation (IRE), brachytherapy, and FLA. The transurethral approach supports methods such as transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA). Each approach offers distinct advantages based on lesion location, treatment area, and energy modality. The choice of technique evaluated the safety and efficacy of each energy source and approach based on specific treatment areas within the prostate, highlighting the need for robust research across lesion locations and modalities, rather than focusing solely on each modality for a specific region. Conclusions: FT is rapidly advancing with new energy sources, technological improvements, and increasing operator expertise. To further optimize FT, research should prioritize evaluating the safety and effectiveness of different energy sources for various lesion locations, focusing on the treatment area rather than the energy modality itself. Full article

The aim of the present study was to assess the thermal effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area of clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses. The study was conducted on 21 clinically healthy Thoroughbreds in regular training. The horses were subjected to thermographic examinations before and immediately after a HILT session to measure changes in the body surface temperature in the TMJ area. The left TMJ was subjected to therapy, while the contralateral joint served as a control. Statistically significant differences in the body surface temperature in the TMJ area—before and after HILT—were found (p < 0.001). The body surface temperature of the area examined was higher by an average of 2.0 °C after HILT, compared to the temperature measured before HILT. The results prove the thermal effect of HILT in the TMJ area, which can be helpful in determining the appropriate and safe HILT parameters for the treatment of TMJ injuries and inflammation. Full article

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain condition involving altered nociceptive processing, which requires multidisciplinary management. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has recently emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach, but its clinical effectiveness and optimal application methods remain unclear. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of PBMT in managing Fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, physical function, sleep quality, and overall well-being, while comparing localized and whole-body delivery. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and previously registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024626368). Literature searches were performed across MEDLINE ((PubMed)), PEDro, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Elsevier (ScienceDirect), and Web of Science (WOS), identifying 17 eligible studies (n = 857 participants). PBMT was applied via low-level laser, infrared, or LED-based devices, delivered either locally or to the whole body. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB 2.0 tool. PBMT showed significant clinical benefits, including reduced pain intensity, improved physical function, decreased fatigue, and enhanced quality of life. Whole-body PBMT showed greater and more sustained effects than localized applications, likely due to its systemic modulation of nociceptive pathways and autonomic regulation. Improvements were also observed in terms of psychological well-being, sleep quality, and reduced kinesiophobia. In conclusion, PBMT appears to be an effective therapeutic option for Fibromyalgia syndrome, with whole-body applications offering superior benefits. However, the variability in treatment parameters and study methodologies underscores the need for standardized protocols and high-quality clinical trials to support its integration into multidisciplinary pain management strategies. Full article