Low Level Laser Therapy for Myofascial Pain in the Neck and Shoulder Girdle. A Double-blind, Cross-over Study

Abstract

In a controlled, cross-over study the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) was evaluated. During a five weeks period forty-seven female laboratory technicians received six laser and six placebo treatments to tender points in the neck and shoulder girdle. Subjects rated the placebo treatment significantly more beneficial than LLLT (p = .04). There was no reduction in consumption of analgesics associated with either laser or placebo treatment. The results indicate no beneficial effect of LLLT for myofascial pain.

Low Level Laser Versus Shockwave Therapy in Treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points of Rotator Cuff Muscle Dysfunction: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Investigations carried out by Yamany and salim (2011) revealed that the application of Low level laser therapy plus exercise was more efficient than placebo laser with exercise [14], since the outcomes showed a decrease in pain intensity level, an increase in shoulder range of motion and increase trigger point PPT in myofascial trigger points of shoulder pain by applying the LLLT and exercise protocol. Our results of Laser therapy can be supported by the work of Thorsen H et al (1992) whom studied Laser irradiation on trigger points and suggested to provide analgesia that increase PPT by improving local microcirculation that can increase oxygen supply to hypoxic cells in the trigger points areas, decreasing the spasm in muscle arterioles which is essential for tissue oxygenation and by increasing ATP formation with a consequent normalization in metabolic rate of tissues with diminished energy levels and at the same time it can remove the collected waste products [21].…”

Knowledge to Action: A Challenge for Neck Pain Treatment

“…119 Low-level laser therapy has demonstrated benefit in the short and intermediate term for pain and function for neck disorders with associated degenerative changes 15,85,102,106 ; however, benefit of laser has not been shown for pain believed to arise from myofascial structures. 98,107,108 Laser therapy appears to be effective for 1 disorder subtype: chronic neck disorder with associated degenerative changes. Dosage parameters are diverse across trials.…”

Aggressive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Should We Treat Pain with Pain?

“…Likewise, ischaemic pressure, Ergon ® IASTM Technique and dry needling, have shown benefits in releasing myofascial induced muscle spasm and aches [21][22][23]. Less pain stimulatory interventions, such as laser and ultrasound, have not convincingly been shown to be beneficial [24][25][26]. In our recent study [21], it was demonstrated that aggressive therapeutic techniques such as Ergon ® IASTM Technique, ischaemic pressure, and cupping treatment are useful in reducing tenderness of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).…”