The effectiviness of laser in subacromial impingement syndrome and comparison with local steroid injection

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of laser in subacromial impingement syndrome and compare with local steroid injection.Material and method: 150 patients with shoulder pain were evaluated in this study. Systemic physical examination and musculoskeletal examination regarding shoulder were done. AP shoulder radiographs and routine blood tests were obtained. When subacromial impingement syndrome was suspected magnetic resonans imaging (MRI) of the shoulders were taken. 135 patients diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome were randomized to 3 groups. Local steroid injection, sham laser and laser were performed on group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Appropriate exercise programs were given to each group. Local steroid injections were applied twice with an interval of 10 days between each injection. Laser is performed three times a week and totally 9 sessions. Patients were assessed at the beginning, at the end, on the 3rd and 6th months of the study. Evaluations were done by using visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest, VAS at activity, Universtiy of California and Los Angeles Rating Score (UCLA) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).Results: Favorable responses were seen in all groups after treatment. There was more improvement in injection and laser groups than sham laser group in terms all VAS and UCLA scores. Improvement lasted up to sixth month in laser group but not in injection group. Late term results were better in the laser group.Conclusion: Laser is a reliable treatment modality in subacromial impingement syndrome.