[Low energy laser treatment--effect in localized fibromyalgia in the neck and shoulder regions]

The effect of low-level laser therapy (GaAlAs, 830 nm, continuous) for chronic myofascial pain in the neck and shoulder girdle was assessed in a double-blind randomized study with 36 female participants. Treatments were given six times during two weeks with a total effect of 4.5-22.5 J per treatment depending on the number of tender points. No significant effect was found, neither in pain relief nor in tablet intake between the laser and the placebo group. None of the participants reported any side-effects.