Low Level Laser Therapy (Lllt) of Tendinitis and Myofascial Pains a Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind study was to examine the effect of GaAs laser therapy for tendinitis and myofascial pain in a sample from the general population of Åkersberga in the northern part of Greater Stockholm. 176 patients (of an original group of 200) completed the scheduled course of treatment. The patients were assigned randomly to either a laser group (92 patients, of whom 74 had tendinitis, completed the study) or a placebo group (84 patients, of whom 68 had tendinitis, completed the study). All 176 patients received six treatments during a period of 3-4 weeks. Their pain was estimated objectively using a pain threshold meter, and subjectively with a visual analogue scale before, at the end of, and four weeks after the end of treatment. Laser therapy had a significant, positive effect compared with placebo measured from the first assessment to the third assessment, four weeks after the end of treatment. Laser treatment was most effective on acute tendinitis.

The use of low intensity laser therapy in the treatment of myofascial trigger points: an updated critical review

“…Non-standardisation of protocol was also noted in a study by Logdberg-Anderssont et al 55 in terms of frequency of treatment and length of the treatment course (six laser sessions in 3-4 weeks) and radiant exposure (0 . 5-1 J cm 22 ).…”

Systematic review of the literature of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of neck pain

“…Author and year Reason for exclusion Gallacchi et al, 1981 [31] German/laser acupuncture Lewith et al, 1981 [20] Trial of heat treatment generated by light that is, not athermic lasers Snyder-Mackler et al, 1986 [21] Did not use pain outcome measure Waylonis et al, 1988 [22] Laser acupuncture Airaksinen et al, 1989 [18] Crossover design Ceccherelli et al, 1989 [23] Laser acupuncture Snyder-Mackler et al, 1989 [24] Cannot separate out neck pain data Taverna et al, 1990 [37] Italian Thorsen et al, 1991 [25] Danish Thorsen et al, 1992 [26] Crossover design Laakso et al, 1994 [27] Did not use pain outcome measure Logdberg-Andersson et al, 1997 [29] Cannot separate out neck pain data Fukuuchi et al,1998 [34] Cannot separate out neck pain data Slattery et al, 2002 [35] Abstract only-no data available Seidel et al, 2002 [36] German/laser acupuncture Given such heterogeneity, two issues emerge. Firstly it is difficult to advocate a ''unifying theory'' of plausible biological mechanisms with such diversity of parameters and protocols.…”

“…A cumulative, and therefore delayed effect of laser is known to occur [17], most probably associated with alteration of gene expression [44]. If crossover occurs within that as yet unknown period of time then a ''carry-over'' effect may mask a positive outcome within a study [29]. Laser acupuncture trials are also excluded as the principles of laser acupuncture differ significantly from LLLT [45].…”

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

“…Laser has been indicated to manage pain associated with many conditions [31] including trigeminal and post-herpetic neuralgia [32, 33], carpal tunnel syndrome [34], fibromyalgia [35], tendonitis [36], osteoarthritis [37], and rheumatoid arthritis [38]. Little information exists regarding its influence on function.…”