New Research
BIOMECHANICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY FOR ACHILLES TENDINITIS
Marcos RL, Arnold G, Magnenet V, Rahouadj R, Magdalou J, Lopes-Martins RA
Abstract
For three decades, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used for treatment of tendinitis as well as other musculoskeletal diseases. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms involved remain not completely understood. In this work, the effects of LLLT and of the widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, have been compared in the case of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinitis. Wistar rats were treated with diclofenac or laser therapy. The tensile behavior of tendons was characterized through successive loading-unloading sequences. The method considered 11 characteristic parameters to describe the mechanical behavior. It was shown that during the acute inflammatory process of the tendon, the mechanical properties were significantly correlated to the high levels of MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 expression presented in a previous paper (Marcos, R.L., et al., 2012). The
treatment by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac sodium produces a low protective effect and can affect the short-term biochemical and biomechanical properties. On the contrary, it is shown that LLLT exhibits the best results in terms of MMPs reduction and mechanical properties recovery. Thus, LLLT looks to be a promising and consistent treatment for tendinopathies
(J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2014 Jan;29:272-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2013.08.028. Epub 2013 Sep 9)
Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24126100
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LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY FOR SPORTS INJURIES
Morimoto Y, Saito A, Tokuhashi Y
Abstract
Background and aims: Our hospital has used LLLT in the treatment of athletes since 1990. We had a good result about LLLT for sports injuries. However, few articles have attempted to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT for sports injuries. The aims of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT for sports injuries.
Materials (Subjects) and Methods: Forty one patients underwent LLLT in our hospital. These patients included 22 men and 19 women with an average age of 38.9 years old. Patients were irradiated by diode laser at points of pain and/or acupuncture points. Patients underwent LLLT a maximum treatment of 10 times (mean 4.1 times). We evaluated the efficacy of LLLT using a Pain relief score (PRS). A score of 2 to 5 after treatment was regarded as very good, 6 to 8 as good, and 9 to 10 as poor. A PRS score of less than 5 was regarded as effective.
Results: The rate of effectiveness (PRS of 5 or less) after LLLT was 65.9% (27/41 patients).
Discussion: In this study, the resulting rate of effectiveness was 65.9% for all sports injuries. However, we have a high rate of effectiveness for Jumper's knee, tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis and cases that were irradiated laser by a physician.
Conclusions: LLLT is an effective treatment for sports injuries, particularly jumper's knee, tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis.
(Laser Ther. 2013;22(1):17-20.)
Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24155545
Full article can be found here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799051/
