Effects of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Low-Intensity Laser Therapy on Shoulder Adhesive...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and low-level laser therapy on pain, functional status, and quality of life in shoulder adhesive capsulitis.

This single-center, prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial included patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis randomly assigned to extracorporeal shock wave therapy, low-level laser therapy, or control groups. The extracorporeal shock wave therapy group received three extracorporeal shock wave therapy sessions plus 15 sessions of hot pack and exercise; the low-level laser therapy group received 15 low-level laser therapy sessions with hot pack and exercise. Outcomes (Constant-Murley Score, visual analog scale, Short Form 36) were assessed at baseline, 3, and 12 wks.

Sixty shoulder adhesive capsulitis patients were randomized equally into extracorporeal shock wave therapy ( n = 20), low-level laser therapy ( n = 20), and control ( n = 20) groups. By week 3, both extracorporeal shock wave therapy and low-level laser therapy showed significant improvements in visual analog scale-pain and Constant-Murley Score-pain versus control ( P < 0.05), while only low-level laser therapy improved Short Form 36 physical limitation scores ( P < 0.05). At week 12, the low-level laser therapy group showed greater improvements in Constant-Murley Score-range of motion, Constant-Murley Score-total, and Short Form 36 subdomains related to physical and emotional role limitations ( P < 0.05).

In patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis, both extracorporeal shock wave therapy and low-level laser therapy added to exercises therapy positively affected pain and range of motion.