A study shows the effectiveness of laser therapy with exercise therapy vs. exercise therapy with a placebo in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and increasing muscle strength. The podcast discusses subacromial impingement syndrome, causes and treatment options, the potential dangers of long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications, the effects of laser therapy on cellular repair factors, and the benefits of adding laser therapy to exercise for shoulder pain patients.
High-intensity laser therapy, when combined with exercises, significantly improves pain levels, quality of life, and muscle strength in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
Incorporating high-intensity laser therapy into treatment plans for shoulder impingement syndrome leads to better and longer-lasting results in terms of pain relief, range of motion, functional capacity, quality of life, and muscle strength compared to exercises alone.
Deep dives
The Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
A recent study published in Lasers and Medical Science examined the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. The study involved 63 patients who were divided into two groups: one receiving exercises and high-intensity laser therapy, and the other receiving the same exercises but with the laser turned off (sham laser). Results demonstrated that both groups showed significant recovery in pain levels, range of motion, functional capacity, quality of life, and muscle strength. However, the group receiving actual laser therapy had more significant improvements in most of the evaluated parameters. At the three-week mark, 25 out of 26 markers showed improvement in the laser therapy group, compared to 20 in the sham laser group. Moreover, at the 12-week follow-up, all 26 markers showed improvement in the laser therapy group, while the sham laser group only maintained improvement in 14 out of 26 markers. These findings suggest that incorporating high-intensity laser therapy into treatment plans for shoulder impingement syndrome can lead to better and longer-lasting results.
The Benefits of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Shoulder Pain Management
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain, affecting a significant number of patients seeking medical attention. In many cases, impingement patients develop chronic shoulder pain. Traditional treatment options typically involve exercises, physical therapy, and medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these approaches may not always yield lasting results. The study discussed in this podcast episode investigated the use of high-intensity laser therapy as an adjunct treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome. The results showed that patients who received high-intensity laser therapy alongside exercises experienced significant improvement in pain levels, range of motion, functional capacity, quality of life, and muscle strength. Moreover, the benefits of laser therapy were found to be more sustained and long-lasting compared to exercises alone. This study suggests that incorporating high-intensity laser therapy into the treatment regimen for shoulder impingement syndrome can provide patients with faster and more substantial relief while reducing the need for prolonged medication use or surgical intervention.
Selecting the Right Laser Therapy for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
When considering laser therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome, selecting the appropriate device is crucial. The study discussed in this podcast episode utilized a high-intensity laser therapy device that delivered an average power of 10.5 watts. The treatment protocol involved five sessions per week for three weeks, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. The study demonstrated that high-intensity laser therapy produced better and longer-lasting outcomes compared to exercises alone. The advantages of high-intensity laser therapy include its ability to cover a wider and deeper area of tissue, resulting in enhanced cellular repair, increased blood flow, improved cell metabolism, and increased vascular permeability. While lower-intensity lasers, such as class III devices, can be effective for home use or specific applications, class IV high-intensity lasers are recommended for clinical settings to optimize treatment time and ensure more efficient patient care. Therefore, clinicians treating patients with shoulder impingement syndrome should consider incorporating high-intensity laser therapy into their treatment protocols for improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.
A study from January of 2021 regarding subacromial impingement syndrome shows the effectiveness of laser therapy with exercise therapy vs. exercise therapy with a placebo in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and increasing muscle strength. Dr. Rountree and Kristi discuss the details and how this study impacts you as a clinician.
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