Clinical efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on lateral epicondylitis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Recently, high-intensity laser therapy has been used in the therapeutic protocols for pain management. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy versus other different modalities for improving lateral epicondylitis symptoms. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on prospective randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct until June 2021 using relevant key words. We analyzed the data using Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4). Results: Six randomized controlled trials with 344 patients were included. There is low-quality evidence that high-intensity laser therapy generates a small reduction on pain intensity compared with a control group either during activity (mean difference = −0.98, 95% confidence interval = −1.6 to −0.35, P = 0.002) or during rest (mean difference = −0.98, 95% confidence interval = −1.68 to −0.09, P = 0.03). In addition, there is low-quality evidence that high-intensity laser therapy provides small improvements in quality of life (physical component) compared with control (mean difference = 9.76, 95% confidence interval = 2.69 to 16.83, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: High-intensity laser therapy is an effective therapeutic modality to reduce pain and improve quality of life (36-item short form health survey physical component) in patients experiencing persistent symptoms of lateral epicondylitis. However, grip strength, hand function, and quality of life (36-item short form health survey) did not show significant differences between high-intensity laser therapy and other therapies.

Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy added to a physical therapy program for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome - a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…HILT stands out for its thermal effects, coverage of larger treatment areas, and energy delivery in a shorter time, thus achieving its therapeutic effects more quickly (following Roscoe Bunsen's Reciprocity law) [13 −15]. Studies regarding the benefits of LILT in myofascial pain and HILT in musculoskeletal pain provide a theoretical basis for considering high-power lasers as a treatment for MFPS [13][14][15]38,39].…”

“…In contrast, HILT is supported for musculoskeletal pain management, including myofascial pain leading to analgesia and increased local circulation. However, few studies have supported its efficacy as a resource in MFPS management [8,[13][14][15]19]. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of HILT in a physical therapy program for the treatment of myofascial pain.…”

Effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treating grade I–II gonarthrosis: a scientific review

“…Высокоинтенсивная лазерная терапия. УВТ и высокоинтенсивную лазерную терапию (ВИЛТ) сравнивали в нескольких исследованиях по лечению остеоартрита коленного сустава [65][66][67]. Результаты показали, что оба метода приводят к статистически значимому улучшению состояния суставов, однако ВИЛТ оказался более эффективным в снижении боли, улучшении физической функции и снижении инвалидности по сравнению с УВТ.…”

Effectiveness of High-Power Laser Therapy via Shear Wave Speed Analysis on Pain and Functioning in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis: A Proof-of-Concept Study

“…However, no consensus about the best treatment for improving pain and function in people with LE has been reached; nonetheless, among rehabilitative approaches, therapeutic exercise and physical therapy have reported positive effects on people with LE, regarding pain decrease and tendon strength enhancement [18]. Recently, El Meligie et al [19] concluded that High Power Laser Therapy (HPLT) could improve grip strength, pain, and functional ability at midterm follow-up (5 to 26 weeks). As a matter of fact, with a high-power laser approach, it is possible to reach and stimulate larger and/or deeper areas; consequently, more energy could be transferred into tissues compared to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) [20,21].…”