• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Celebrating 65 Years

Meta-analysis of pain relief effects by laser irradiation on joint areas

Chiropractic Economics November 19, 2012

Jang H, Lee H. Department of Information and Communications, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.

Photomed Laser Surg. 2012 Aug;30(8):405-17. Epub 2012 Jun 29.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Laser therapy has been proposed as a physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders and has attained popularity because no side effects have been reported after treatment. However, its true effectiveness is still controversial because several clinical trials have reported the ineffectiveness of lasers in treating pain.

METHODS:

In this systematic review, we investigate the clinical effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on joint pain. Clinical trials on joint pain satisfying the following conditions are included: the laser is irradiated on the joint area, the PEDro scale score is at least 5, and the effectiveness of the trial is measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). To estimate the overall effectiveness of all included clinical trials, a mean weighted difference in change of pain on VAS was used.

RESULTS:

MEDLINE is the main source of the literature search. After the literature search, 22 trials related to joint pain were selected. The average methodological quality score of the 22 trials consisting of 1014 patients was 7.96 on the PEDro scale; 11 trials reported positive effects and 11 trials reported negative effects. The mean weighted difference in change of pain on VAS was 13.96 mm (95% CI, 7.24-20.69) in favor of the active LLLT groups. When we only considered the clinical trials in which the energy dose was within the dose range suggested in the review by Bjordal et al. in 2003 and in World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) dose recommendation, the mean effect sizes were 19.88 and 21.05 mm in favor of the true LLLT groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The review shows that laser therapy on the joint reduces pain in patients. Moreover, when we restrict the energy doses of the laser therapy into the dose window suggested in the previous study, we can expect more reliable pain relief treatments.

Related Posts

  • Laser therapy and pain relief on joint areas, a systemic reviewLaser therapy and pain relief on joint areas, a systemic review
  • Low level laser treatment of tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis.Low level laser treatment of tendinopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
  • Low level laser therapy for tendinopathy. Evidence of a dose-response pattern.Low level laser therapy for tendinopathy. Evidence of a dose-response pattern.
  • Emg analysis after laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Implications for practiceEmg analysis after laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Implications for practice
  • Low level laser therapy can be effective for tendinitis: A meta-analysisLow level laser therapy can be effective for tendinitis: A meta-analysis
  • Low-level laser therapy in secondary lymphedema after breast cancer: systematic reviewLow-level laser therapy in secondary lymphedema after breast cancer: systematic review

Filed Under: Laser Therapy, Resource Center

Current Issue

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Copyright © 2019, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Innovative eLearning Platform StudyJet® First Anniversary in U.S.
  • American Chiropractic Association launches new website to educate public
  • Life Chiropractic College West offers new radiology master’s degree in chiropractic
    Life Chiropractic College West logo