The Effect of Laser Therapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The Effect of Low-level Laser Versus High-intensity Laser Therapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

In this study, it was aimed to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on shoulder joint range of motion, level of pain and functional status in patients with adhesive capsulitis

This study will be designed as a randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial with a 3-week follow-up. A total of 50 patients who applied to our hospital with the complaint of shoulder pain will be evaluated for inclusion in the study. Patients will be randomized into two groups as high-intensity laser (HILT) + stretching exercise group and low-level laser (LLLT) + stretching exercise group.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. patients aged between 25-65 years
2. patients clinically diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, characterized by limitation of passive external rotation of the affected shoulder to less than 50% of the contralateral shoulder and normal radiographic finding of the affected shoulder
3. patients with severe pain and shoulder limitation for at least 3 months
4. patients who are literate and able to understand verbal instructions in our language.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Calcific tendinopathy, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, fracture, shoulder surgery, shoulder trauma, history of malignancy and infection, history of inflammatory rheumatic diseases
2. History of bilateral simultaneous adhesive capsulitis
3. Recent history of lung, breast, or bypass surgery/radiotherapy
4. History of corticosteroid injection to the same shoulder in the last 1 year
5. History of cervical radiculopathy/brachial plexus lesion
6. Neuromuscular disease history
7. History of physical therapy program for the same shoulder in the last 6 months.