Placebo-controlled investigation of low-level laser therapy to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study investigated the short-term efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lasting for <1 year.

METHODS:

Seventy-nine patients with CTS were included in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, and randomly divided in two treatment groups: Experimental group (EG), active laser group (40 patients); and control group (CG), placebo (sham) laser group (39 patients). A GaAlAs diode laser [780 nm, 30 mW continuous wave (CW), 0.785 cm(2), 38.2 mW/cm(2)] was applied in contact with four points perpendicularly to the skin over the carpal tunnel area for 90 sec per point (2.7 J, 3.4 J/cm(2)/point). Both groups were treated five times per week, once a day over 2 weeks, followed by 10 treatments every other day for 3 weeks, that is, for a total of 20 treatments. Clinical assessment, including visual analogue scale (VAS) pain rating, Tinel's sign, and median nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were evaluated before, and 3 weeks after, the last LLLT treatment.

RESULTS:

Significant reduction in pain, reduction in the percentage of patients with a positive Tinel's sign, and shortening of sensory and motor latency time in the NCS examination was observed in the experimental LLLT group (but not in the control group).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study has observed and documented the statistically significant short-term effects of LLLT on CTS patients in comparison with a placebo group. The results support this conclusion, especially if the LLLT is applied in the earlier stages of CTS, and with mild to moderate cases.

• Authors: Milica Lazovic, Olivera Ilic-Stojanovic, Mirjana Kocic, Vesna Zivkovic, Marija Hrkovic, Natasa Radosavljevic
• Journal: Photomedicine and laser surgery (Photomed Laser Surg) Vol. 32 Issue 6 Pg. 336-44 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 1557-8550 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24905929 (Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (therapy)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Low-Level Light Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged