High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Combined With Exercise on Clinical and Ultrasonographic Outcomes in Patients With Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with exercise on pain, functional status, disability, and ultrasonographic findings in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain following stroke.

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication after stroke that significantly affects functional recovery and quality of life. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects.

Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups:

HILT + exercise therapy Sham HILT + exercise therapy

The treatment protocol will consist of 20 sessions over 4 weeks (5 sessions per week).

Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of week 4 by blinded assessors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 30-75 years
• Hemiplegic shoulder pain after stroke
• Stroke within last 6 months
• VAS ≥ 3 for pain
• Medically stable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson, etc.)
• Recent shoulder surgery/injection
• Botulinum toxin (last 6 months)
• Malignancy
• Pregnancy
• Epilepsy or photosensitivity
• Cognitive impairment