The immediate effects of 830-nm low-level laser therapy on the myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle in visual display terminal workers: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

Abstract

The aim of our study was to evaluate the immediate effects of an 830-nm Aluminium gallium arsenide (GaAlAs) laser, by examining the changes, in pressure-pain threshold (PPT) and tenderness at 3 kg of the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) of the upper trapezius muscle in visual display terminal (VDT) workers in comparison with placebo treatment. Thirty VDT workers (13 males, 17 females) with complaints of upper trapezius muscle were recruited. All participants were given either active GaAlAs laser (830 nm wavelength, 450 mW, 9 J at point) or placebo GaAlAs laser, according to the double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial. Both active and placebo low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatments showed no significant effect on PPT and tenderness at 3 kg. These results suggest that a higher dosage may be necessary to produce immediate effects when applying LLLT to the MTrP of relatively large muscles such as the upper trapezius muscle.

To Compare the Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Technique Versus Positional Release Technique With Laser in Patients With Unilateral Trapezitis

“…7 In clinical settings, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been safely used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, muscle relaxant, and tissue-healing effects. 8 In order to measure the pain Visual Analog Scale is a good and reliable tool in clinical research. 9 Normal range of motion (ROM) of the active cervical spines has been often altered by disorders or pathology of the cervical spine which limits the active cervical range of motion The universal goniometer (UG) is commonly used as measurement device for measuring body's joint ROM, as it is accurate, reliable, easy to use, and less expensive.…”