Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is one of the main causes of painful shoulder. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible additive effect of low-power laser treatment in combination with conventional physiotherapy endeavors in these patients.
Materials and Methods: A total number of 50 patients who were referred to physical medicine & rehabilitation clinic with shoulder pain and rotator cuff disorders were selected. Pain severity measured with visual analogue scale (VAS), goniometric measurement abduction and rotation range of motion of shoulder was evaluated by daily function of patients that was measured by shoulder disability questionnaire. Twenty five of above patients were randomly assigned into control group and received only routine physiotherapy. Other 25 patients received conventional therapy plus low level laser therapy. The above measurements were assessed at the end of third week of therapy in each group and the results were analyzed statistically.
Results: In both groups severity of pain, shoulder disability, positive objective signs and range of motions were significantly improved (P<0/05). Comparison between two different modalities revealed better results for control of pain (VAS) and shoulder disability measurements in case group (3.1±2.2 vs. 5±2.6, P=0/029 and 4.4±3.1 vs. 8.5±5.1, P=0/031). Positive objective signs (P<0/0001) also had a better results in case group. But range of abduction (160.7±25.9 vs. 159.12±29.1) and external rotation (78.0±19.5 vs. 76.3±19.1) had no significant difference between two groups (P>0/05).
Conclusion: Gallium- Arsenide low power laser in combination with conventional physiotherapy has superiority to routine physiotherapy in the view of decreasing pain and improving patient's function abilities.