2009 Volume 18 Issue 2 Pages 97-101
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on shoulder joint contracture caused by periarthritis scapulohumeralis (frozen shoulder). Twenty-four patients received treatment at our hospital between April, 2004 and March, 2007. We used a 1000 mW semiconductor laser device delivering 830 nm in continuous wave. We treated the shoulder joint contracture with the laser therapy system for 30 sec/point for a total of three minutes for each treatment session per shoulder, at an energy density per 30 sec treatment of 20.1 J/cm2. As a result of the four-week trial, the range of motion (ROM) in both flexion and extension improved. The efficacy ratio was 75% (p<0.05). We consider that the increase of pain threshold and improved blood circulation were the main mechanisms of action. However, we also emphasized the importance of life style education to patients.
