Effectiveness of HILT in Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy in Shoulder Osteoarthritis; a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study

This study will determine the efficacy of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) for the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis.

Shoulder osteoarthritis (SO) is a musculoskeletal joint disease that affects the elderly. SO is characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage in the involved joints and its underlying bone within a joint as well as bony overgrowth. It is one of the major causes of physical disability that has a social and public health impact due to pain, stiffness, joint instability, and muscle weakness.

The diagnosed patients with SO will be treated with HILT for a total of ten sessions during the entire duration of the treatment protocol. Parameters to be evaluated are: range of motion, pressure pain (algometer), pain perception (Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Modified Laitinen Pain Questionnaire), quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF) These parameters will be recorded before the first treatment (baseline), after completion of treatment, three and 12 months after completion treatment. A change in above parameters will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. painful osteoarthritis of the shoulder for at least 6 months
2. not engage in any other treatment during treatment period
3. pain ≥4 on the visual analog scale (VAS) in the previous 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. presence of any other musculoskeletal problems associated with the shoulder joint, such as fracture, tendon or ligament tears, meniscus injury, rheumatoid arthritis, or shoulder surgery
2. receiving physical therapy and/or intra-articular corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections during the last 6 months
3. absolute and relative contraindications of Laser Therapy