Low-level laser therapy induces to cellular bioestimulation and can accelerate wound healing, promote skeletal muscle regeneration, decrease inflammatory response, stimulate neovascularization and decrease pain. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of three doses of low-level laser therapy (808 nm), in the immediate pain and edema, in rats submitted to experimental injury of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. Twenty four Wistar rats, randomly distributed in the following four groups were used: CG - injured and treated with equipment turned off (sham); G20 - injured and treated with 20 J/cm²; G50 - injured and treated with 50 J/cm²; and G100 - injured and treated with 100 J/cm². For the experimental injury production, 0.1 mL of formalin 5% was introduced in the right lateral gastrocnemius muscle girth. Pain was assessed through the Paw Elevation Time (PET), and edema was assessed with a metallic caliper. Both evaluations happened before injury, after injury, after treatment, 2, 8 and 24 hours after injury. The results showed significant increase of PET and of the caliper evaluation after injury induction. It has been concluded that the laser irradiation in the used parameters did not produce pain and edema decrease in rats submitted to muscular injury with formalin 5% injection.
low-level laser therapy; analgesia; inflammatory edema
