RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT04445545

High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on Myofascial Trigger Points.

Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Stretching Exercises on Cervical Flexibility and Pain Reduction in Myofascial Trigger Points. Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT).


Sponsor

Quiropraxia y Equilibrio

Enrollment

24 participants

Start Date

May 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of HILT on cervical flexibility and pain reduction in myofascial trigger points. The research will be carried out in the Physiotherapy laboratory of Andrés Bello University. The participants will be civil servants and volunteer university students with the presence of latent MTrPs of the upper trapezius muscle. Participants will be randomized and divided into 3 study groups: group 1 (HILT and stretching exercises), group 2 (sham HILT and stretching exercises), and group 3 (the conventional US and stretching exercises). The treatments will be carried out twice a week for 4 weeks accompanied by 2 evaluations during the treatment and 1 post-treatment follow-up. The main result will be considered the differences in pain intensity (ΔPI), pain pressure threshold (ΔPPT), cervical spine range (ΔCROM), and cervical disability (ΔND) between the evaluation sessions.


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is evaluating whether High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) can effectively treat myofascial trigger points — tight, painful knots in the upper trapezius muscle of the neck and shoulder region. These trigger points are a common cause of neck pain and headaches, and laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that may reduce pain and improve muscle function. The study is being conducted among university staff and students in Chile, comparing HILT against other treatments to see which provides the most relief. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years of age or older - You are a staff member or student at Andrés Bello University's Casona las Condes Campus - You have been diagnosed with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle You may NOT be eligible if: - You have had a musculoskeletal injury to the neck or shoulders in the last 3 months - You have metal implants or osteosynthesis hardware near the shoulders or neck - You have wounds, skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, burns), or scarring in the treatment area - You take regular analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications - You have neurological symptoms (e.g., numbness, weakness) in the arms or hands - You have epilepsy, cancer, photosensitivity, or certain skin/autoimmune conditions Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEHigh intensity laser therapy (HILT)

Laser application with powers greater than 500 milliwatts (mW) in the myofascial trigger point and muscle belly of the upper trapezius. Laser therapy will be applied to the upper trapezius muscle with a total energy delivery of 1,060J divided into 3 phases will be achieved (phase 1, 500J; phase 2, 60J; phase 3, 500J). It will work with an average power of 3W and an energy density of 50J/cm2. For the application of laser therapy, the 12W BTL-6000 equipment that emits infrared wavelengths of 1064nm will be used.

DEVICETherapeutic Ultrasound (US)

Application of ultrasound therapy in the myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle. The ultrasound application will be performed with the person in a seated position. The ultrasound parameters will consist of a frequency of 1MHz, the intensity of 1.5 W/cm2, a Duty cycle of 100%, an ERA of 5cm2, and a treatment time of 6 minutes.

PROCEDUREStretching exercise

t the end of the assigned treatment will be added a treatment protocol of upper trapezius stretching exercises for the evaluated limb with shortening. The stretches will consist of 4 series of 30 seconds with an interval of 30 seconds between series


Locations(2)

Universidad Andrés Bello

Santiago, Las Condes, Chile

Universidad Andrés Bello

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile

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NCT04445545