Efficiency of High Power Laser Versus Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy on Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

One common problem that often manifests two weeks to two months following a stroke is shoulder pain. It adversely impacts patients' quality of life and hinders their ability to regain motor and sensory function. Psychological alterations and sleep problems, such as depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing, trouble falling asleep, and early awakening, can also occure.

The majority of HSP develop in the first 2 weeks up to 6 months and about 65% of those will continue to experience the problem several months after that .

The actual cause of HSP is uncertain and frequently complex. So far, numerous pathogenic processes have been found that are likely to be associated to HSP: Joint subluxation, adhesive capsulitis, complex regional pain syndrome, rotator cuff injury, spasticity, and other conditions .

In the last few decades, an enormous number of treatment options have been developed due to the multiple etiology of HSP, But there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding their efficacy because several etiologies probably lead to the same problem .

High power laser therapy is one suggested therapeutic option for shoulder pain HPLT has long been used to treat conditions that low power laser therapy (LPLT) cannot, such as increased microcirculation, accelerated tissue regeneration, decreased swelling, inflammation, and pain, because of its photomechanical, thermal, electrical and bio stimulating effects on deep tissues. Benefits of HPLT over LPLT include higher power, deeper tissue penetration, shorter emission durations, and longer rest intervals that avoid heat buildup.