The Immediate Effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain Relief and Shoulder Function in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Background: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) is a very common and prevalent disorder worldwide. Laser therapy has been used in the treatment of SAIS while very limited studies have assessed the immediate effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on SAIS. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of HILT on patients with SAIS. Methods: Twenty patients with SAIS were enrolled in this study between May and November 2019. All participants were clinically diagnosed with SAIS. They received one session of HILT. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) in flexion, and Constant-Murley Scale (CMS) were assessed before and immediately after intervention. Results: In this retrospective study, at the end of the study program, comparisons before and after treatment in the HILT group showed significant improvements in all outcome measures, including VAS, shoulder ROM, and CMS (P<0.05). Conclusion: HILT can immediately reduce pain and disability and improve shoulder flexion ROM in patients with SAIS.