Effect of high-intensity laser on upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

Aim of the study: As high intensity laser therapy (HILT) is capable of reaching and stimulating deeper and larger tissues than traditional physiotherapy modalities, so we studied its influence on cervical myofascial pain. Subject and methods: 50 patients with chronic upper trapezius muscle myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) within age range of 20 to 40 years old were assigned into group A that received traditional treatment only (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound massage (US), stretch and exercise), while group B received HILT with traditional treatment. Outcome measures included pain severity via visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) by pressure algometer, neck functional activities by neck disability index (NDI) and cervical range of motion by CROM apparatus. Results: both groups showed significant improvement in the posttreatment outcome measures, but the HILT group (group B) showed a more significant improvement than the control group (group A) with p-value >0.001. Conclusion: HILT is a supportive physical therapy modality that may provide preferable results for a cervical MTrP patient.