Laser Therapy Group Research Articles

Efficacy of laser adjuvant therapy in the management of post-operative endodontic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postoperative endodontic pain (PEP) is crucial in clinical practice. Recently, the effects of various laser adjuvant therapies in endodontic treatments have been widely evaluated. However, as a virtually side-effect-free treatment, its effect on postoperative pain management during endodontic treatment remains controversial. This review aimed to compare the efficacy of laser adjuvant therapy for pain management after endodontic treatment. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles published until 12 February 2023. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated based on the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Data on continuous outcomes of visual analogue scale pain scores are expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) and dichotomous outcomes of pain prevalence as relative risk (RR). We included 22 studies, of which 15 enrolled 892 patients with visual analogue scale pain scores and 7 enrolled 422 patients with pain prevalence. Of the 22 studies, seven studies had a low risk of bias, 10 had a moderate risk of bias and 5 had a high risk of bias. For pain level, the pooled outcomes indicated reduced pain scores in all laser adjuvant therapy, including low-level laser therapy (SMD = -0.86 [95% CI: -1.16, -0.55] in 24 h and SMD = -0.64 [95% CI: -0.84, -0.43] in 48 h), diode laser therapy (SMD = -0.27 [95% CI: -0.50, -0.04] in 48 h) and photodynamic therapy (SMD = -1.12 [95% CI: -2.18, -0.05] in 24 h). For postoperative pain incidence, a significant correlation was observed with reduced pain incidence rates in the photodynamic therapy group (pooled RR = 0.47 [95% CI: 0.31, 0.72]) but not in the low-level laser therapy group (RR = 0.89 [95% CI: 0.30, 2.70] at 12 h and RR = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.09, 3.72] at 24 h). High-quality evidence suggests that laser adjuvant therapies such as low-level laser therapy, diode laser therapy and photodynamic therapy have a positive impact on reducing postoperative endodontic pain intensity. However, the differences in PEP management effects between laser therapies are unknown, and no significant differences were observed among the subgroups. CRD 42023402872 (PROSPERO).

A Comparative Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Erbium Laser Therapy Versus Traditional Treatments in Managing Dentin Hypersensitivity: An Observational Study.

Background This study aimed to explore the potential efficacy and safety of laser therapy compared with traditional desensitizing treatments in the management of dentin hypersensitivity. Methodology A comprehensive observational study was conducted on 138 adult individuals aged 18-65 diagnosed with dentin hypersensitivity. Participants were allocated to either the laser therapy or traditional treatment group. The laser therapy group received treatment using the Fotona LightWalker® Erbium laser at 2,940 nm. The energy density was set at 20 J/cm² using continuous and contact modes, with the laser tip held perpendicularly to the irradiated site. Each session lasted five minutes, conducted bi-weekly for three months. Traditional treatment included the in-office application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish application once every 15 days for three months and the use of desensitizing toothpaste as part of regular oral hygiene routines. Follow-up assessments were conducted 6 and 12 months post-treatment to evaluate the longevity and stability of the treatment effects. Primary outcomes were assessed by dentin hypersensitivity reduction measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and tactile hypersensitivity assessments. Results Laser therapy consistently surpassed traditional treatment in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, as reflected by the significantly lower VAS scores. Notably, at 3, 6, and 12 months, laser therapy demonstrated mean VAS scores of 2.5 (±1.5), 1.2 (±0.9), and 0.6 (±0.5), respectively, while the traditional treatment group exhibited higher scores (3.8 ± 1.2, 4.5 ± 1.0, and 4.0 ± 0.7, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed that these differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). Tactile hypersensitivity assessments echoed these findings, with laser therapy consistently maintaining lower scores (0.8 ± 0.7 at 6 months, 0.4 ± 0.3 at 12 months) compared to traditional treatment (3.5 ± 1.0 at 6 months, 4.0 ± 0.7 at 12 months) with statistical significance at all time points (p < 0.001). Conclusions Although this study lacks a randomized controlled design, the observed substantial reduction in VAS scores and tactile hypersensitivity assessments, along with the favorable safety profile of laser therapy, suggest its potential as an effective alternative for managing dentin hypersensitivity.

Might photobiomodulation therapy interfere with the frequency of severe mucositis and oral candidiasis? A retrospective analysis in patients with head and neck carcinoma.

Considering the tumor in the oral cavity or the oropharynx and nasopharynx region might be an aggravating factor for oral mucositis (OM) manifestation, the present study aimed to evaluate whether the location of the tumor and the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) might affect the frequency of oral candidiasis (OC) during radiotherapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy (CT) treatments. The medial records of seventy-four patients with head and neck cancer treated in a public service from 2016 to 2019 were evaluated. All these patients were submitted to RT in an accumulated dose of 48 to 70Gy of radiation. Data about OM and OC were collected and presented according to the application of a therapeutic protocol with laser photobiomodulation (PBMT) to control oral mucositis, or not (No-PBM), and the location of tumor (head and neck or oral cavity). In the PBMT group patients, a low-power laser device composed of InGaAlP diode (maximum output power of 86.7mW, active tip area of 0.1256cm2, and continuous wavelength of 660nm), was applied to the lips (three points each), right and left jugal mucosa (three points each), the limit between hard and soft palate (three points), buccal floor/sublingual gland (one point), lateral edge of the tongue (three points on each side), and back of the tongue (six points), three times weekly, for 5weeks. The dosimetry used in each application was 2J for 3s, thus totaling 56J. The correlation between clinical characteristics such as age, tumor size (T), metastatic lymph node (N), number of RT and CT sessions, candidiasis, and OM were analyzed. Mucositis grades 1 and 2 were the most common among all patients, especially before the 12th radiotherapy session, regardless of the treatment with PBM (p > 0.05). Additionally, no difference in the grade of OM and OC was significantly observed when comparing the two laser therapy groups. OC was more frequent after the 12th radiotherapy session in all groups. Nonetheless, OM and OC had a different correlation regarding to tumor location (head and neck and oral cavity) being PBMT a positive therapy to delay OM. It was observed a positive and statistically significant correlation between tumors at oral cavity and OM, regardless PBMT (R = 0.84, p < 0.05 to PBMT and R = 0.13, p < 0.05 to No-PBM). Otherwise, OC was positively correlated to local metastasis in patients with oral tumors undergoing PBMT (R = 0.84, p < 0.05). Patients with oral cavity tumor presented more OM, especially high grades, then patients with tumors in other regions of the head and neck, which seems to be related to the irradiation parameters of radiotherapy and/or with the limitation of conduction of PBMT in tumor areas. OM and OC were not changed by PBMT, although it helped to reduce the incidence of severe cases of OM.

Effectiveness of fractional erbium–YAG laser, microneedling, platelet-rich plasma in localized stable vitiligo patients: randomized clinical trial

Vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease, and its treatment is challenging. We assessed and compared the effect of fractional erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er:YAG) laser-assisted delivery of platelet-rich plasma versus microneedling (Mn) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in enhancing skin repigmentation in localized stable vitiligo patients. In total, 40 patients with localized stable vitiligo were selected in a random manner into two similar groups (20 each). Group (A) was subjected to fractional Er:YAG laser combined with platelet-rich plasma and Group (B) was subjected to microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma. The procedure was repeated every 2 weeks for up to 6 months. Each individual was assessed clinically utilizing Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI). Fractional Er:YAG + PRP group achieved better pigmentation100% (excellent 30%, very good 15%, good 30% and satisfactory 25%) which is comparable to Mn + PRP where 80% of cases demonstrate repigmentation (20% very good, 10% good and 50% mild). When comparing the VASI scores for both groups after therapy to the baseline VASI, there was a statistically significant decrease [p = 0.001 for group(A) and 0.003 for group(B)]. Regarding the treatment side effects, there was significantly (p = 0.048) side effects among cases treated with microneedling group(B) (25%) than those fractional Er:Yag laser therapy group(A) (5%). Both forms of therapy demonstrated induction of repigmentation of vitiligo, but fractional Er:YAG laser efficacy is greater when combined with platelet-rich plasma.Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT05511493.

Laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to update evidence on the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Manuscripts published until May 2023 were systematically searched in PubMed; Embase; Scopus; Web of Science; CENTRAL; CINAHL; and clinical trial databases (www.trialscentral.org, www.controlled-trials.com, and clinicaltrials.gov), with no language and year of publication restriction. RCTs with women diagnosed with GSM, and the intervention was vaginal laser therapy (CO2-laser or Er: YAG-laser) comparing with placebo (sham therapy), no treatment or vaginal estrogen therapy. Two authors evaluated the publications for inclusion based on the title and abstract, followed by reviewing the relevant full-text articles. Disagreements during the review process were addressed by consensus, with the involvement of a third author. Twelve RCTs, representing a total of 5147 participants, were included in this review. Vaginal health index (VHI) significantly improved in the carbon dioxide laser (CO2-laser) therapy group (MD=2.21; 95% CI=1.25 to 3.16), while dyspareunia (MD=-0.85; 95% CI=-1.59 to -0.10), dryness (MD=-0.62; 95% CI=-1.12 to -0.12) and burning (MD= -0.64; 95% CI=-1.28 to -0.01) decreased. No serious adverse effects were reported. CO2-laser increases VHI score and decreases dyspareunia, dryness and burning, especially when compared to sham-laser. However, the certainty of the evidence is low, thus preventing the recommendation of laser therapy for GSM management.

The improvement of pain symptoms in patients with burning mouth syndrome through combined laser and medication therapy.

The etiology of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) remains unclear. To explore the differences in the therapeutic efficacy of pain improvement between medication therapy and laser therapy in patients with BMS. 45 BMS patients were randomly divided into three groups: The Combination therapy group (Group A, n= 15), The Medication therapy group (Group B, n= 15), and the Laser therapy group (Group C, n= 15). The pain condition of the patients was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the improvement in pain before and after treatment was compared among the three groups. All three groups (A, B, and C) showed a significant reduction in NRS scores after treatment, with statistically significant differences observed among the different groups. Group A exhibited the most significant improvement, with a statistically significant difference before and after treatment. Laser and medication therapy are effective methods for reducing oral burning pain * symptoms, and their combined use yields more significant therapeutic effects.

Effect of low-level laser therapy in wound healing of primary molar teeth extraction

IntroductionTooth extraction in children requires attention to wound healing and pain management, which are influenced by patient-related factors and behavioral guidance. Aim of the study: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT on healing sockets in pediatric patients with bilateral primary molar teeth extraction and determine its impact on pain management.Methods6–10 years of age, systemically healthy, and with atraumatic extraction indications of bilateral primary molar teeth were included in the study (n = 40). In the first session, randomly selected teeth were extracted under local anesthesia. In the control group, only clot formation in the socket was observed and photographed. The other group extractions were performed 2 weeks later. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group was treated with a 980 nm wavelength, in a continuous emission mode, 0.5 W power, 300 J of energy, 400 µm tip, 60 s diode laser and photographed. Nonepithelialized surface measurements were performed using ImageJ. Pain assessment was performed using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the Wong-Baker values in 3rd day (p < 0.05). In soft tissue healing on the 3rd and 7th day, the nonepithelialized surface of the laser socket was smaller than that of the control group, and the measurement results were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough LLLT was not found to be very effective in reducing postoperative discomfort after extraction of primary molars, it provided better wound healing in extraction sockets.

Photo Bio-stimulation on Acupuncture Points: Impact on Selected Measures in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to investigate the effect of adding photo bio-stimulation to standard physical therapy on spasticity, ankle active range of motion (ROM), gross motor function, plantar surface area (PSA), hind foot peak pressure, and quality of life (QoL) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-one children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to the laser therapy group (LG) and received regular physical therapy plus laser acupuncture over three acupuncture points (GB34, LR3, LIV3), and the control group received regular physical therapy three times per week for 4 weeks. Muscle tone using the modified Ashworth scale, ankle active ROM using goniometry, PSA and the peak pressure on the hind foot (PPHF) by E-Med system, motor function by Gross Motor Function Measure (88 items), and pediatric QoL questionnaire were assessed before and after intervention and after 3 months. Posttreatment values of ankle plantar flexion (AP), ankle dorsiflexion (AD), and PPHF demonstrated statistically significant differences and medium to high effect size in favor of LG ( P = 0.005 and d = 0.73, P = 0.02 and d = 0.57, P = 0.01 and d = 0.61, respectively). At the 3-month follow-up analysis, the same outcomes (AD, AP, and PPHF) demonstrated statistically significant differences and medium to high effect size ( P = 0.000 and d =1.46, P = 0.02 and d = 0.86, P = 0.01 and d = 0.75, respectively) in favor of the LG. Adding laser acupuncture on GB34, LR3, and LIV3 to standard physical therapy can reduce spasticity, and improve ankle ROM, gross motor function, PSA, hind foot peak pressure, and QoL for children with spastic CP.

Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Laser Versus Phonopheresis along with Muscle Energy Technique for Jumpers Knee in Badminton Players

The ability to change direction and position of the body quickly and effectively while maintaining postural stability and orientation are important in badminton sports. There is also harmony related to skill and plan achievement during dynamic balance and agility. The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of the LASER and phonopheresis along with muscle energy techniques in jumpers knee happens in badminton players. Experimental design, comparative study and Random sampling technique is used in this study. 40 samples were used with the duration of 3 months for this study. Group A consists of 20 athletes treated with LASER and muscle energy techniques whereas Group B consists of 20 athletes treated with Phonophoresis using Piroxicam gel and muscle energy techniques. Proforma like age, height, weight, level of competition, hours of practice, medical and surgical history, and limb length measurements (asis to medial malleolus) are collected from each player. The subjects were divided into two equal groups. Group A was given low level laser therapy and muscle energy techniques and Group B phonopheresis and muscle energy techniques Outcome measures are done with VISA -P, LEFS, NPRS, SIT AND REACH TEST. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to assess all the parameters. Paired ‘t- test’ was used to find out the` significant difference among the effectiveness of LASER along with Muscle Energy Technique and phonopheresis along with muscle energy techniques on jumper’s knee by VISA -P, LEFS, NPRS and Sit and reach test in athletes. LASER therapy associated with Muscle energy technique was effective in improving Jumper’s knee when compared with Phonopheresis associated with Muscle energy technique over 7 days of period.

Assessing the Efficacy of Cold Laser Therapy vs. Traditional Methods in Managing Post-Endodontic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT The background of the study highlighted the common occurrence of post-endodontic pain and the need for effective pain management strategies. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the cold laser therapy (CLT) group and the traditional methods group (TMG). The CLT group received laser treatment at the affected area immediately following endodontic treatment, whereas the TMG received standard pain management techniques such as analgesics. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post treatment. Pain scores were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, including analysis of variance, and P values were calculated to determine the significance of differences between groups. Results: This study found significant differences in post-endodontic pain levels between CLT and standard procedures. At 6 hours post treatment, the CLT group had a mean pain score of 2.1 ± 0.8, whereas the TMG had a mean pain score of 3.8 ± 1.2 (P = 0.012). Pain levels in the CLT group decreased with time, with scores decreasing to 1.5 ± 0.6 at 12 hours, 1.2 ± 0.5 at 24 hours, and 0.9 ± 0.4 at 48 hours post treatment. In contrast, the TMG had greater pain scores at each time point: 3.2 ± 1.0, 2.9 ± 1.1, 2.5 ± 0.9, and 2.1 ± 0.8 at 12, 24, and 48 hours post treatment, respectively. At 12, 24, and 48 hours post treatment, P values of 0.021, 0.036, and 0.004, respectively, indicated significant differences. Conclusion: In managing post-endodontic pain, CLT demonstrated superior efficacy compared to traditional methods.

Effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy and Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Neuropathic Pain among the Experimentally Induced Peripheral Nerve Injury in Rat Model

Background: Peripheral nerve injury creates an impact on the inflammatory process, leading to an elevation inHypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha levels, which contributes to the development and progression of neuropathicpain. An innovative approach to alleviating neuropathic pain involves targeting inflammation.Purpose: This study aims to compare the effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Low-Intensity PulsedUltrasound (LIPUS) on neuropathic pain among the experimentally induced peripheral nerve injury in rat model.Methods: Rats with induced sciatic nerve crush injury were randomly divided into three groups: control, LIPUStreatment, and LLLT treatment. Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold analysis was performed before the injuryand from POD 2nd, 7th, 14th, and 21st to assess effectiveness of the treatment.Result: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) group showing statistically greater improvement on POD 14 and 21compared to both the LIPUS group and the control group in terms of paw withdrawal threshold measurementsamong rats with crush-induced neuropathic pain (P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: This study found that the use of LLLT has a beneficial effect in the management of neuropathic painand control of analgesia compared to LIPUS by inhibiting the upregulation of HIF-1α synthesis during ischemia,hypoxia, and inflammation. However further studies are recommended to analyze long term results in largersample to control neuropathic pain.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Pulsed Ultrasound Combined with Exercise for Osteoarthritis of Knee

Background: A slow loss of cartilage, pain, functional impairment, and a decreased quality of life are allcharacteristics of the degenerative inflammatory sickness- osteoarthritis of the knee, which affects the whole joint.Pulsed ultrasound primarily has properties to boost tissue metabolism, improve the extensibility of tissues thatare fibrous, and raise pain thresholds. Laser beams having a wavelength of between 600 and 800 nanometers areproduced by limited laser treatment. It stimulates regeneration and the release of beta-endorphins by increasingprotein synthesis in synovial fluid.Purpose: To find the effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy and Pulsed Ultrasound combined with exercise forosteoarthritis of knee.Materials and Methods: Total of 60 participants were selected from ACIAN Ortho clinic. According to inclusionand exclusion criteria, the participants were explained about the treatment safety and written consent wasobtained. The participating subjects were divided into two groups, Low Level Laser Therapy with exercise groupand Pulsed Ultrasound with exercise group. All the subjects underwent pretest measurement with ROM andWOMAC at the beginning of the treatment. Study period : November 2022 to April 2023.Results: Statistical analysis of data showed significant differences not only in the Ultrasound group but also in LowLevel Laser Therapy. The Low Level Laser Therapy Group were significantly higher than the Pulsed Ultrasoundgroup, with a p value of &lt;0.0001Conclusion: Low Level Laser Therapy is more effective than Pulsed Ultrasound for osteoarthritis of knee.

Effects of Intravenous Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Management of Patients with COVID-19

Background: The symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) range from asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress or death. Reviews on potential COVID-19 treatments show no established therapy. Photobiomodulation can help in reducing inflammation and speed up tissue repair. In addition, due to its few side effects, it appears to be effective in restricting COVID-19. Therefore, it was decided to use this method in disease control to achieve the systemic impact of intravascular photobiomodulation therapy in this study. Methods: A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20 subjects: A control group that received common treatments for COVID-19, a group treated with a low-power gallium arsenide laser diode (660 nm) with an output dose of 2 J/cm2 for 7 minutes and 5 days in a row in addition to standard treatments, and another group that received common treatments with the same laser dose at the same time as the first group with a low-power diode laser (450 nm). Laboratory data and clinical criteria between groups were compared before and after the treatment. Results: An increase in O2 and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) was significant in the two laser therapy groups (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) decreased significantly in the blue laser group (mean difference = -1.44 ± 12.72). The COP score was reduced in all groups; however, only in the blue laser group the reduction in COP score was significant (P &lt; 0.05). In the blue laser group, the COP score before and after the treatment was reduced. Conclusions: The use of an intravenous laser with red and blue wavelength with an output dose of 2 J/cm2 for 7 minutes and 5 days in a row, in addition to standard treatments, showed the improvement of oxygenation (O2 and PO2 in arterial blood gas [ABG]) and the reduction of inflammatory factors (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and COP scores. However, further extensive studies are needed to prove the therapeutic effects of intravenous lasers, along with the usual treatments for COVID-19.

Effectiveness of Laser Therapy for Treatment of Herpes Labialis: A Systematic Review

Objective: This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of laser therapy as a treatment for herpes labialis. This review seeks to answer our research question: What is the effectiveness of laser therapy compared to Acyclovir for treating patients with HSV-1? We consider it important to find new alternatives to treating HSV-1 with the most minor adverse effects, so this question has been posed. Methods: The Cochrane, Lilacs, Ovid, Embase, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Open Gray databases were searched for literature and gray literature. Clinical trials were retrieved and manually checked for inclusion. We carried out data extraction and the evaluation of the methodological quality of the included articles. An assessment of the certainty of the evidence was also performed. Results: The mean healing time in the placebo and acyclovir groups was longer, with healing in the laser therapy groups being faster. Otherwise, one study reported that individuals under acyclovir presented a higher recurrence risk than those submitted to laser therapy. One study reported a significantly smaller lesion size in the laser therapy group than in the acyclovir group. The certainty of the evidence was very low for the outcomes. No side effects have been reported with laser therapy. Conclusions: Laser therapy reported better results in the disappearance of symptoms and signs than conventional treatment. Although, we should cautiously interpret the findings due to the certainty of the evidence being very low for the outcomes.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on acupuncture points on knee pain and function in knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common and disabling disease. We aimed to examine the effect of low-level laser therapy in addition to routine physical therapy modalities (transcutaneous electrical stimulation, superficial heating modality of infrared, ultrasound, and exercise) on the functional status and pain in knee osteoarthritis. Patients with knee osteoarthritis (n=71) who underwent physical therapy (transcutaneous electrical stimulation, infrared, ultrasound, exercise therapy, and low-level laser therapy) were retrospectively screened. Patients who received low-level laser therapy on acupuncture points, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, infrared, ultrasound, and exercise were included in the low-level laser therapy (+) (n=35), and patients who received only transcutaneous electrical stimulation, ultrasound, infrared, and exercise were included in the low-level laser therapy (-) group (n=36). The Visual Analog Scale for activity pain, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and walking and stair climbing tests were used before and after treatment obtained from patient files. The post-treatment Visual Analog Scale activity score and walking and stair climbing test results were statistically significantly lower in the low-level laser therapy (+) group than in the low-level laser therapy (-) group. There was no significant difference in post-treatment Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale scores between the two groups. In both groups, the Visual Analog Scale activity, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and walking and stair climbing test scores statistically significantly decreased after treatment. Knee osteoarthritis increases with aging and creates significant functional limitations. low-level laser therapy with routine physiotherapy contributed to the improvement in the pain and functional status of the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Low-level laser therapy can be recommended in osteoarthritis treatment guidelines with the support of further studies, which is an easy-to-apply, effective, and reliable method.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus low level laser therapy on shoulder adhesive capsulitis post-neck dissection surgery

IntroductionNeck dissection (ND) operations are performed to treat known metastatic neck illness. These operations have been associated with chronic neck and shoulder problems. In patients who have had a ND, adhesive capsulitis (AC) is one of the causes of shoulder dysfunction.MethodsForty patients with AC following modified radical neck dissection (MRND) surgeries were chosen at random and divided into two groups of equal size. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group (group A) received LLLT with: wavelength – 830 nm, output – 50 mw, maximum frequency – 5000 Hz, pulse duration – 50 ns, and average dose – 9 J/cm2 for 20 min, plus traditional physical therapy (mobilisation technique, myofascial release, range of motion (ROM), and strengthening exercises) for 30 min. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) group (group B) received PNF for 25–30 min in addition to traditional physical therapy. The treatment period was 3 times each week and lasted for eight weeks. The discomfort in the shoulder was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Shoulder impairment and pain were assessed by the SPADI scale and the shoulder ranges of motion were assessed using the universal goniometer technique. All measures were taken before and after the intervention.ResultsThe findings reveal that there was a significant enhancement in all variables in both groups A and B after therapy compared to before the treatment (p &lt; 0.001). After therapy, there were no obvious changes in the VAS and SPADI values among the groups (p &gt; 0.05). However, statistical analysis showed significant improvement in the PNF group (group B) in shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation in comparison to that of the LLLT group (group A) after treatment (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsPNF proved to be more effective than LLLT in increasing ROM but was as effective as LLLT in decreasing shoulder pain and dysfunction in AC post ND surgery.

Retinal laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF for hemorrhagic retinal arterial microaneurysm.

To evaluate the efficacy of retinal laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for hemorrhagic retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). This was a retrospective clinical study. Patients with hemorrhagic RAM were divided into 4 groups defined by different treatments: a retinal laser photocoagulation therapy monotherapy group, an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection monotherapy group, a laser and anti-VEGF combination therapy group, and an observation group. Visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and retinal hemorrhage area (RHA) were collected. Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients were enrolled. VA improved and had a significant difference between baseline and final in each treatment group (logMAR; laser group: 1.90±0.53 vs 1.05±0.63, P<0.001; anti-VEGF group: 1.75±0.63 vs 1.12±0.54, P=0.009; combination group: 1.76±0.38 vs 1.01±0.52, P<0.001); however, VA decreased and had no significant difference in observation group (1.63±0.51 vs 1.76±0.61, P=0.660). CMT decreased and had a significant difference between baseline and final in each group (laser group: 815.16±310.83 vs 252.05±83.90 µm, P<0.001; anti-VEGF group: 725.00±290.79 vs 203.56±69.89 µm, P=0.001; combination group: 595.50±186.51 vs 253.13±55.06 µm, P=0.001; observation group: 758.88±195.65 vs 267.00±120.90 µm, P=0.001). RHA were 28.99±28.15, 25.94±11.58, 19.64±8.97, and 27.45±13.76 mm2 in laser group, anti-VEGF group, combination group and observation group, respectively. RHA was statistically correlated with final VA (P=0.032) in the observation group. Both laser and anti-VEGF treatments are effective for hemorrhagic RAM. Combination therapy reduces the number of injections of anti-VEGF. RHA is a visual prognosis predictor in the natural history of hemorrhagic RAM.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Shoulder Pain, Functional Disability and Range of Motion in Patients with Type II Slap Tear

BACKGROUND: Low-level lasers may occasionally replace surgery or medications without adverse effects, so studying them stands to reason. It heals, regenerates tissue, reduces inflammation, discomfort, and boosts immunity. Research is continuing. It may help physical therapy, healthcare, and the community by being cost-efficient, simple, and successful. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of low-level laser therapy and routine physical therapy on shoulder pain, functional disability, and range of motion in patients with Type II SLAP tear. METHODS: It was a Randomized Controlled Trial conducted at Physical therapy department, Sialkot Medical and Physiotherapy Center Branches Pasroor and Sambrail. The estimated sample size is 52, and adjusting for an expected 20% dropouts, the sample size was 62, allocated 31 in each group. Both male and female patients with Age between 50-70 years having Type II SLAP tear, Visual analogue scale (VAS) score above 3 and the patients diagnosed by physician, orthopedic physician or surgeon or rheumatologist were included. The included patients were allocated in group A, routine physical therapy, and Group B low level laser. All the patients were assessed at baseline, at 4th week of Treatment and at 8th week of Treatment for pain, shoulder pain and disability index and shoulder ranges. RESULTS: The results regarding age showed mean and standard deviation to be 1.8387±.77875 in routine physical therapy group while 1.8065±.79244 in low level laser therapy group. The comparison of mean SPADI total score at 8th week of assessment it was found to be respectively 58.3226±4.57083 and 50.3871±4.85577 with a significant mean difference of 7.935 in favor of low-level laser therapy as shown by p value 0.000. Other outcome measures including pain and shoulder ranges were also significantly improved in low level laser therapy group, p value &lt; 0.05. CONCUSSION: The findings of the study concluded that low level plays the therapy is significantly more effective improving pain disability and shoulder range of motions in patients with slap tear, except for abduction range of motion which was improved equally in both groups. Moreover, within routine physical therapy and low-level laser therapy group showed significant improvement at pre and post level of assessment except that of total shoulder and pain disability index score which was not improved significantly in routine physical therapy group without combination of low-level laser therapy.

Preclinical study of experimental burns treated with photobiomodulation and Human Amniotic Membrane, both isolated and associated.

to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation with low-level 660 nm laser alone or associated with Human Amniotic Membrane in the repair of partial-thickness burns in rats. an experimental study conducted with 48 male Wistar rats, randomized into four groups: Control, Human Amniotic Membrane, Low-Level Laser Therapy, and Low-Level Laser Therapy associated with Human Amniotic Membrane. The histopathological characteristics of the skin samples were analyzed 7 and 14 days after the burn. The data obtained were submitted to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney tests. the histological analysis of the burn injuries showed a decrease in inflammation (p<0.0001) and an increase in proliferation of fibroblasts (p<0.0001) mainly at 7 days in all treatments related to the control group. At 14 days, the greater effectiveness in accelerating the healing process was significant (p<0.0001) in the Low-Level Laser Therapy group associated with the Human Amniotic Membrane. the association of photobiomodulation therapies with the Human Amniotic Membrane allowed verifying a reduction in the healing process time of the experimental lesions, stimulating its proposal as a treatment protocol in partial-thickness burns.

Efficacy of Laser Therapy on Paralysis and Disability in Patients with Facial Palsy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

(1) Background: Facial palsy is a common health issue which leads to sequelae and disability. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of laser therapy for the treatment of facial palsy. (2) Methods: Only randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of laser therapy to non-laser intervention, no intervention, or placebo were searched for. Relevant studies were searched in seven electronic databases. Studies that examined the use of laser modalities for facial palsy management, with or without acupuncture, were also included. Two authors independently read and scored the methodological quality of the selected texts, and any disagreement was resolved by discussion or by intervention from the third author. (3) Results and conclusions: With five full-text articles, a methodological quality for each included study was assessed (kappa coefficient = 0.75). The laser therapy group in the mean difference measuring FDI showed an effect size of 8.15 compared to the control group; while measuring the paralysis score, an advantage was disclosed with an effect size of 0.22 compared to the control group.