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).
Quiropraxia y Equilibrio
24 participants
May 1, 2025
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
Inclusion Criteria3
- Participants over 18 years of age.
- Officials and students of the Casona las Condes Campus of the Andrés Bello University.
- Presence of myofascial trigger points in the shortened upper trapezius muscle evaluated (expert consensus establishing criteria for the diagnosis of MTrPs, Delphi study).25
Exclusion Criteria10
- Musculoskeletal problems or pathologies of the neck or shoulders in the last 3 months (fractures, sprains, tendinopathies, dislocations, or muscle tears).
- Presence of osteosynthesis materials near shoulders, neck, or surrounding areas.
- Presence of wounds or skin changes in the shoulder and/or neck region (such as psoriasis, scars, or burns).
- Use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications for permanent use.
- Neurological changes such as paresthesia, loss of sensitivity (partial or complete), decreased strength, and color changes in the neck, arms, forearms, or hands.
- Diagnosed photosensitivity.
- Presence of solar urticaria or adverse reactions to sunlight.
- Presence of the following conditions: dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatic porphyria, cutaneous carcinoid syndrome or pellagra
- Cancer or tumors of any type diagnosed.
- Epilepsy.
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Interventions
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.
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.
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)
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NCT04445545