Comparison of the effectiveness of high-intensity laser and ultrasound therapies in adhesive capsulitis: A randomized controlled study
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Published on: April 26, 2024
Bilal Uysal1, Kağan Özkuk2, Nilay Şahin1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey.
Background:
Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a common musculoskeletal disease characterized with shoulder pain, limitation of range of motion (ROM) and disability. Although physical therapy is used in the treatment of AC, studies on its effectiveness are continuing.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the treatment of AC.
Methods:
Sixty patients were randomized into two groups. Group I received US (15 sessions) and Group II received HILT (9 sessions) for 3 weeks. In addition, all patients received physical therapy program (hot pack, TENS and exercises). Assessments were made using VAS-pain, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), range of motion (ROM) at baseline and in post-treatment 3rd, 8th and 24th weeks.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of all pre-treatment values. In intragroup assessment, statistically significant difference was identified in all the values of Groups 1 and 2 in all assessment periods compared with the pre-treatment values (p< 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in all assessment periods.
Conclusion:
According to results, US therapy and HILT were effective on the improvement of pain, ROM and functional conditions of patients in the treatment of AC.
