[Low-energy laser therapy in medial tibial stress syndrome]

The effect of low-energy laser therapy on shin splints was examined in a randomized study with an unblinded design. Constripts from the Jutland Dragoon regiment with shin splints were given either active laser treatment (40 mW in 60 sec per cm tender tibia edge) or placebo laser. All patients were exempted from normal duty concerning activities like running and march. Forty-nine patients participated in the study, 23 in the laser group and 26 in the control group. From the start the study was designed to be double-blind, but by accident the code was broken towards the end of the study. We found no significant differences between the groups regarding pain visual analog score and readiness to return to active duty after 14 days.