Purpose: Nipple pain and trauma are common problem and a huge barrier to continued breastfeeding due to the pain and discomfort. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a treatment option for nipple pain and trauma. This study evaluated the effect of adapter coupled in low-level laser therapy equipment in modulating tissue repair and pain among women with nipple trauma.

Methods: Two groups were evaluated: Standard treatment Group (StGroup;n=8): lactants received orientation about breastfeeding techniques; and Laser Group (LGroup; n=8): lactants received standard treatment plus irradiation laser (660nm; irradiance of 12 mw/cm2, 40s, total energy delivered of 4,62J). Nipple lesion area was measurement by photographic image and subsequent software analysis before and after 24 hours after laser application. Pain intensity was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results: There was a reduction in nipple lesion areas as in StGroup (p<0.002) as in LGroup (p<0.0005) and pain intensity in StGroup (p<0.001) and in LGroup (p<0.0001), after one and two sessions (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: The adapter was efficient to improve the nipple repair, as well as reduced the pain intensity in breastfeeding women. This new adapter has allowed to expand the irradiated tissue area (nipple and areolar region), facilitating the laser using method, avoiding the accumulation of red light in the melanin present in the nipples, reducing the chance of adverse effects and enabling the use of a higher dose of energy, necessary to promote pain reduction.