The Effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy on Particular Joint Points and Acupuncture Points on Knee Joints in Grade III Knee Osteoarthritis

The Effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy on Particular Joint Points and Acupuncture Points on Knee Joints in Grade III Knee Osteoarthritis

LLLT is in use to treat different musculoskeletal condition. Osteoarthritis is one of the conditions needing LLLT for therapeutic effects. LLLT has been used in different previous studies using different points on joint and also on acupuncture points. This study is going to compare the effectiveness of LLLT on both points. Omega xp device is going to be used in this study.

LLLT is a non-invasive modality to treat variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Photobiomodulation has been studies for last two decades in different perspectives and on different musculoskeletal condition. Studies suggest profound results due to effect of LLLT at the cellular level. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common debilitating musculoskeletal condition affecting people worldwide. Statistics indicate an increase in this debilitating condition in future. Knee OA is more common amongst other OA of the body. LLLT has been used in previous studies to see the impact on pain and functional performance in knee OA. LLLT has been used on different points on knee joint and also applied on acupuncture points of the knee joints. Different outcomes were used to assess LLLT effectiveness including pain, ROM and even different biomarkers. This study is going to use LLLT on different particular joint points of knee and also acupuncture points of the knee joint and compare the outcomes. This study will present evidence for the clinicians to use LLLT on either the particular joint points or acupuncture points for better clinical outcomes.

• Inclusion Criteria:

  • Pain in the knee joint ( minimum 30/100 on VAS )

  • Kellgren-Lawrence Grade III knee OA

  • ACR criteria for knee OA with radiological findings including ;

    • age 35 and above
    • joint crepitus
    • less than 30 minutes of morning stiffness

• Exclusion Criteria:

  • Knee OA grade other than III.

  • Any contraindication of LLLT including;

    • pregnancy
    • carcinoma involving knee area

  • Steroids and NSAIDS use