High Intensity Laser Therapy and its Positive Effects on Musculoskeletal Pain

A study discussed in this podcast episode highlights the effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy in managing musculoskeletal pain. The study analyzed 19 high-quality trials and found that 94% of the articles revealed positive effects of laser therapy on pain. This is significant because musculoskeletal pain, including conditions like plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, tennis elbow, and rheumatoid arthritis pain, is a leading cause of chronic pain in adults. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent treatment, with at least 10 sessions recommended for most musculoskeletal pain conditions. It also warns against the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen during laser therapy, as these medications can reduce its effectiveness.