The beneficial effects of adding low level laser to ultrasound and exercise in Iranian women with shoulder tendonitis: a randomized clinical trial

Otadi K, Hadian M-R, Olyaei G, Jalaie S
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 2012;25(1):13-19
clinical trial
8/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: Yes; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*
OBJECTIVES: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial study was conducted with the aim of determining the efficacy of adding laser (830 nm) to ultrasound (US) and exercise for the management of shoulder tendonitis.
METHODS: 42 subjects (n = 21, in adding laser group and n = 21, in US and exercise group) received a course of 10 sessions treatment over one month in the shoulder region. Outcome measures such as visual analogue scale (VAS), tenderness severity scale (TSS), Constant Murley Score (CMS) and manual muscle testing (MMT) were performed before treatment and at the end of 4 weeks treatment. In addition, follow up were performed 2 months after the end of treatment based on the degree of pain improvement.
RESULTS: VAS, TSS and CMS improved significantly (p = 0.001) in both groups, however the muscle strengths only improved significantly in adding laser group (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: It seems that both protocols of physical therapy interventions were effective in relieving the signs and symptoms of shoulder tendonitis. Furthermore, adding low level laser therapy (LLLT) to the US and exercise was more efficient in improving the muscle strength in patients with shoulder tendonitis over a period of three months. However, it should be emphasized that, the current results might be due to the effects of laser and exercise instead of laser, us and exercise (as we had no independent group for US).