Comparison Between High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

MTI University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck

Treatments: Other: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT); Radiation: High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07176039

PT.BU.EC.23

Details and patient eligibility

About

this randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in managing patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Thirty-two participants will be randomly assigned to receive either HILT or ESWT over a period of 4 weeks. Outcome measures include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), tenderness, functional disability, and cervical range of motion.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in the management of patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) of the neck and shoulder region. Thirty-two participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving HILT and the other receiving ESWT, with both groups undergoing 8 treatment sessions over 4 weeks. The primary outcome is pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include tenderness (PPT), functional disability (Neck Disability Index), and cervical range of motion (measured by CROM). The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha University.

Enrollment: 32 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Male and female participants aged 18-60 years. Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in the neck/shoulder region. Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius. Willingness to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

History of cervical spine surgery, trauma, or radiculopathy. Contraindications to laser or shockwave therapy. Presence of systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, malignancy). Receiving other physical therapy interventions during the study period

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

32 participants in 2 patient groups

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) applied to active myofascial trigger points in the neck and shoulder region, using an 808 nm GaAlAs laser, 8-10 W, 2000 Hz, 60 seconds per point, 5-6 points per session, twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions total).

Treatment:

Radiation: High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) using a radial shockwave device with energy flux density of 0.1-0.2 mJ/mm², 2000 shocks per session, administered twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions).

Treatment:

Other: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)