Low Level Laser Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Author Information
Author(s): Bjordal Jan M, Lopes-Martins Rodrigo AB, Joensen Jon, Couppe Christian, Ljunggren Anne E, Stergioulas Apostolos, Johnson Mark I
Primary Institution: Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bergen University College
Hypothesis
Does low level laser therapy (LLLT) effectively treat lateral elbow tendinopathy?
Conclusion
LLLT with optimal doses of 904 nm and possibly 632 nm wavelengths can provide short-term pain relief and less disability in tennis elbow.
Supporting Evidence
- 18 randomized placebo-controlled trials were identified.
- 12 RCTs satisfied half or more of the methodological criteria.
- The weighted mean difference for pain relief was 10.2 mm.
- In a subgroup with 904 nm lasers, the WMD for pain relief was 17.2 mm.
- Secondary outcomes showed consistently significant results in favor of the LLLT subgroup.
Takeaway
Using special lasers can help people with tennis elbow feel less pain and get better faster.
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Potential Biases
Publication bias was detected, with negative results more likely to be published.
Limitations
Some trials had methodological flaws and included patients with poor prognostic factors.
Participant Demographics
Patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy, often with long symptom duration or prior treatment failures.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.005
Confidence Interval
[95% CI: 3.0 to 17.5]
Statistical Significance
p<0.02
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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