Short-term Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of People With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Santamato A., Solfrizzi V., Panza F., Tondi G., Frisardi V., Leggin B.G., Ranieri M., Fiore P.
Physical Therapy, Volume 89, Number 7:643-652, 2009

Background. Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a painful condition resulting from the entrapment of anatomical structures between the anteroinferior corner of the acromion and the greater tuberosity of the humerus.
Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus ultrasound (US) therapy in the treatment of SAIS. Design. The study was designed as a randomized clinical trial.
Setting. The study was conducted in a university hospital.
Patients. Seventy patients with SAIS were randomly assigned to a HILT group or a US therapy group. Intervention. Study participants received 10 treatment sessions of HILT or US therapy over a period of 2 consecutive weeks.
Measurements. Outcome measures were the Constant-Murley Scale (CMS), a visual analog scale (VAS), and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST).