Comparison of the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the presented study were to investigate and compare the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and therapeutic ultrasound (US) on pain, function, emotional status, and sleep disturbances in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT). Method: A total of 84 patients with RCT were included in the study and randomly divided into the US group (n = 42) and the LLLT group (n = 42). Hot-pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and a home-based exercise program were also administered to patients in each group. The patients were evaluated at baseline, and at 1st, 4th, and 12th weeks after treatment by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Constant Murley Score (CMS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: Significant improvements in VAS, SPADI, CMS, DASH, BDI, BAI, PSQI, and SF-36 scores were observed over time in both groups (p < 0.05 for all). The improvements in HGS scores were significantly greater in the US group compared to the LLLT group (p < 0.05 for all). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in VAS, SPADI, CMS, DASH, BDI, BAI, PSQI, and SF-36 scores at each time point (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Both therapeutic US and LLLT are effective and safe in the treatment of patients with RCT. However, our findings indicate no superiority of one treatment over the other in terms of pain relief or improvements in function, emotional status, sleep disturbances, or quality of life.