Infrared radiation in the management of musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Infrared radiation (IR) is a promising complementary treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. In knee osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, chronic myofascial syndrome, sacroiliitis and Gulf War Illness, infrared therapy (IT) has been associated with a decrease in chronic pain in the short or middle term. IT has also been associated with clinical and perceptual improvement in chronic pain related psychosomatic symptoms, e.g., fatigue and insomnia. By means of a systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the use of infrared radiation in the management of musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain.