Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of the Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy versus the combined Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of the subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Forty-seven patients with SAPS were included in the study. Two different rehabilitation protocols were tested: Group 1 (n = 22)–MLS laser therapy and physical exercises and Group 2 (n = 25)–TENS, ultrasound and physical exercises. The analyzed outcomes were levels of pain, functionality and disability, assessed with visual analog scale (VAS), Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The post-treatment evaluations showed significantly better scores in Group 1 patients for VAS score (p = 0.03) and SPADI (p = 0.04). Significant improvement was seen in both groups for all scores. Both treatment regimens showed to be efficient in the treatment of SAPS, improving functionality and reducing pain and disability in the short term. Multiwave Locked System laser therapy in conjunction with physical exercise therapy exercises may have advantages over TENS, ultrasound and physical exercise therapy in the treatment of subacromial pain syndrome. Future studies assessing both short- and long-term outcomes in patients with SAPS treated with different electrotherapy procedures added to the physical therapy are needed.
Highlights
Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), known as subacromial impingement syndrome, is the most common cause of shoulder pain, with a prevalence of 44–65% among all shoulder pains [1,2]
SAPS refers to the structural changes suffered by the rotator cuff, as a result of its permanent conflict with the anterior edge and inferior surface of the anterior third of the acromion, coracohumeral ligament and, occasionally, with the acromioclavicular joint, when anterior abduction and/or extension movements of the shoulder are performed
Forty-seven patients (58.60 ± 10.18 years; 46.81% males) with SAPS were included in the study
Summary
Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), known as subacromial impingement syndrome, is the most common cause of shoulder pain, with a prevalence of 44–65% among all shoulder pains [1,2]. Pain and functional limitation of the shoulder are the consequence of compression or altered dynamics, leading to the damage of the periarticular structures [3]. The factors favoring this syndrome may be intrinsic (tendinosis, repetitive microtrauma, shoulder overload, hypotonia of the rotator cuff muscles) or extrinsic (shape, thickness and angulation variations of the acromion, coracohumeral distance, acromioclavicular arthrosis, hyperostosis at the greater tuberosity, vascular factors) [3]. The incidence of shoulder impingement rises with age, with a peak incidence occurring in the sixth decade of life [5] It is common in repetitive overhead sports or in several jobs that require a prolonged overhead position of the arm [3]
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