Dual Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy in Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Dual Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain Intensity, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether dual frequency low-level laser therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and increase neck movement in patients with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The study includes men and women aged 20 to 55 years who have been diagnosed with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does dual frequency low-level laser therapy reduce pain more effectively than single wavelength laser therapy?
• Does dual frequency low-level laser therapy improve functional ability and cervical range of motion more than other treatments?

Researchers compared three groups of participants receiving different treatments to evaluate their effects.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

• Group A received red wavelength low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy
• Group B received infrared low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy
• Group C received dual frequency low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy

All participants received treatment twice weekly for four weeks. Conventional therapy included stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and postural correction.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of dual frequency low-level laser therapy in patients with myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Participants aged 20 to 55 years were randomly allocated into three parallel groups.

Group A received red wavelength low-level laser therapy, Group B received infrared low-level laser therapy, and Group C received dual frequency low-level laser therapy. All groups also received conventional physiotherapy, including stretching, strengthening, and postural correction exercises.

Interventions were administered twice weekly for four weeks. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, at week 2, and at week 4 by a blinded outcome assessor.

The primary objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of dual frequency laser therapy with single wavelength laser therapy in reducing pain intensity, improving functional disability, and enhancing cervical range of motion.

Inclusion Criteria: This includes the following;

1. Men and women aged 20-55 years.
2. Diagnosis of myofascial pain based on Simons criteria.
3. At least two trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
4. Pain duration ≥ 3 months.
5. VAS pain score ≥ 5.
6. Limited cervical range of motion (40-60%) due to trigger points.

Exclusion Criteria: The exclusion Criteria is given below;

1. Pregnancy.
2. Use of anticoagulants.
3. Bleeding disorders or dermatological diseases at treatment site.
4. History of infectious, inflammatory, tumoral, cardiopulmonary, psychiatric, or systemic diseases.
5. Kellgren stage 3-4 cervical osteoarthritis or cervical disc herniation causing radiculopathy.
6. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
7. Inability to follow instructions or complete questionnaires.