Synergic Effects of Ultrasound and Laser on the Pain Relief and Functionality

Synergic Effects of Ultrasound and Laser on the Pain Relief and Functionality in Women With Hand or Knee Osteoarthritis.

There are several therapeutic effects of the ultrasound (US) or low level laser therapy (LLLT), including pain relief, increase of microcirculation, modulation of inflammatory response and accelerated tissue repair. The investigators hypothesis was that a combination of US, LLLT and therapeutic exercise may maximize clinical outcome.

Patients with pain, especially chronic pain, avoid movements. This is turn results in a gradual impairment of their physical condition, reducing, for example, strength, flexibility, physical functionality and occupational activity. To performed physical treatments, a prototype device was development. The device includes four diode laser beams (808 nm) around of the one ultrasound transducer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Caucasian women
• Aged between 60 and 80 years
• Hand osteoarthritis
• Knee osteoarthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychiatric disorder,
• Neurological disease
• Metabolic disease
• Pulmonary disease
• Cardiac disease,
• Thrombosis
• Cancer.