BACKGROUND/AIMS:

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) application on pain, emotional state, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sixty patients diagnosed with MPS and randomly divided into treatment and control groups were included in the study. The study group was exposed to LLLT application to four points on the upper trapezius, while the control group received placebo LLLT. Pain was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale, neck ROM using an inclinometer, pain pressure threshold using an algometer, emotional state using the Beck Depression Inventory, and disability using the Neck Pain and Disability Scale. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-treatment and first-month results in each group.

RESULTS:

Mean ages were 40.4±8.58 years in the treatment group and 37.6±8.88 in the control group. A significant decrease was observed in the treatment group in terms of pain at the end of treatment and at the first month (p=0.040). Similarly, improvement was observed in both groups in terms of emotional state and disability at the conclusion of treatment and at the first month (p=0.492, p=0.497). In terms of neck ROM, marked improvement compared to the control group was only observed in left lateral flexion measurements at the conclusion of treatment and in the first month (p=0.010). Improvement in pain pressure thresholds was significant in both groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSİON:

In conclusion, LLLT application exhibited more positive effects than placebo in MPS.

Keywords: Laser, myofascial pain syndrome, trigger point, trapezius