OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PEDro were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to April 8 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select potential studies. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality. DATA SYNTHESIS: A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results of the two systematic reviews and 17 RCTs that were included. Strong evidence was found for the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy compared to placebo treatment in the very short term (0 <= 5 weeks). After five weeks the positive effects of low-level laser therapy on pain, function, or recovery diminished over time (moderate and conflicting evidence were found at seven and 12-weeks follow-up, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the very short term low-level laser therapy is more effective as a single intervention than placebo low-level laser therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, after which the positive effects of low-level laser therapy tend to subside. Evidence in the mid and long term is sparse.

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