Comparing the Effect of Shockwave Therapy and Low Level Laser on Treatment of the Myofascial Trigger Points of Trapezius Muscles: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Muscles are known as organs which can generate pain in human body. Among different types of muscle pain, myofascial trigger points (MTPs) are very common. The aim of this study was comparing the effect of shockwave therapy (SWT) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the treatment of the MTPs of trapezius muscles.

This randomized clinical trial was performed in Fatemieh physiotherapy clinic of Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2019. One hundred and eleven patients conflicted to MTPs of trapezius muscles were randomly assigned into three equal groups of 37. Treatment methods were included SWT, LLLT and conventional physiotherapy (CP) during 10 sessions. Intensity of local pain, tense band of the muscle, radicular pain and limitation of movements were assessed in 1st, 10th and 10 days after treatment. Data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukeychr('39')s post hoc test and chi-square test.

The findings of this study showed that SWT during 10 sessions was more effective than LLLT and CT in relief of intensity of local pain of the MTPs (p<0.001). Also, in the 10th  session, chi-square test showed that SWT in comparison with LLLT and CT can be more effective in removing tense band of the muscle, improving movements and reducing radicular pain (p<0.001).

According to this study, during 10 sessions, SWT can be effective in the relief of local pain of MTPs, radicular pain, improving movements and removing muscle tense band.