Effects of Semiconductor Cold Laser on Trigger Points of Upper Back Myofascial Pain

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of semiconductor cold laser with different dosages on upper back myofascial trigger point pain. Thirty patients were randomly assigned into three groups. Each group consisted of 10 patients. Patients in group I received placebo treatment, patients in group II received 20 seconds laser irradiation and patients in group III received 40 seconds laser irradiation. Overall pain scale, pain scale of the most painful trigger point and the number of trigger points for each patient were measured before and after the total of six treatment sessions for data analysis. Patients in the 20 seconds and 40 seconds laser treatment groups demonstrated a significant pain relief compared with those in the placebo group. The number of trigger points did not change significantly. Possible mechanisms of laser therapy for pain relief were discussed. The semiconductor laser treatment seemed to be an effective modality for myofascial pain management but did not result in a complete relief in this study. Further studies are indicated to justify the treatment for a total pain relief and to ascertain the carry-over effect.