Laser Therapy Success on Shoulder Conditions

An article written in 2015 was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the efficiency of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for shoulder tendinopathy. The conclusion of this review was that LLLT independently can provide clinical pain relief and a more rapid course of improvement when performed at adequate laser doses.

Sub-acromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) has shown very favorable outcomes with laser therapy. SAIS is when the rotator cuff tendons rub on the shoulder blade. One study with 120 patients combined LLLT with exercise for three treatments for eight weeks and saw reduced pain and intensity along with improved shoulder function.

An older but interesting study was conducted in 2009 on patients with painful shoulder-hand syndrome after a stroke, comparing TENS and LLLT. Daily LLLT treatments were administered at 3J per painful point for three weeks, then three days a week for two weeks, and then two days a week for one week. The LLLT group had a significant reduction in pain, swelling, and disability and an improvement in independence.