High intensity laser therapy versus radial shock wave therapy in treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome

Abstract

Background. Shoulder pain is very common problem in medical practice, ranked third after lower back and neck issues. Shoulder impingement syndrome is thought to be the most common reason for shoulder pain. It accounts for around 44% to 65% of all shoulder problems. Purpose. to compare between the effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy versus Radial Shock Wave Therapy in treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome. Methods. 45 patients were randomly enrolled into three equal groups. Group A (n = 15) received HILT plus conventional physical therapy program, Group B (n = 15) received RSWT plus the same conventional physical therapy program, and Group C (n = 15) received a conventional physical therapy program. The assessment were conducted pre and post treatment using the Visual Analogue Scale, Shoulder pain and disability index and electro goniometer to active shoulder flexion and abduction range of motion. Results. MANOVA test demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in VAS and SPADI and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in shoulder flexion and abduction ROM in the three groups. VAS, SPADI, shoulder flexion, abduction ROM revealed that there was more improvement in-group A (P < 0.05). Conclusion: HILT showed a superior effect compared with RSWT on pain, function and shoulder flexion and abduction ROM in treatment of SIS.