Short-term Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of low back pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

P. Fiore, F. Panza, G. Cassatella, A. Russo, V. Frisardi, V. Solfrizzi, M. Ranieri, L. Di Teo, A. Santamato
EUR J Phys Rehabil Med, 47:367-73, 2011

Backgroud. Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that is highly prevalent in the general population. Management of this pathology includes numerous interventions depending on pain severity: analgesic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections. However, the effect size and duration of syinptom relief are limited. Physical therapy (ultrasound [US], laser therapy, manual therapy, interferential current therapy, Back School, aerobic work, therapeutic aquatic exercise acupuncture) have been reported often with mixed results.
Aim. To evaluate the short—term effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus ultrasound (US) therapy in the treatment of LBP.
Design. Randomized clinical trial.
Setting. University hospital.
Populations. Thirty patients with LBP were randomly assigned to a HILT group or a US therapy group.
Methods. Study participants received fifteen treatment sessions of HILT or US therapy over a period of three consecutive weeks (five days/week).