Comparison of the effectiveness of high‑intensity laser therapy and Extracorporeal Shockwave in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized single‑blind controlled study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in terms of neck pain, pain pressure threshold, neck disability index, and active range of motion (AROM). Methods: Forty eligible patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A received (HILT three times per week for four weeks). and Group B received (one session of ESWT, once a week for four weeks) Patients in both groups received the same traditional physical therapy program Results: Both therapies significantly improved all outcomes within groups (p < 0.001). Between groups, no statistically significant difference for pain (p = 0.49), pressure pain threshold (p = 0.55), or disability (p = 0.78). HILT demonstrated superior improvements in cervical flexion (p = 0.003) and bilateral rotation (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001). Conclusions: HILT and ESWT When combined with conventional physical therapy produced similar results in terms of pain and disability. While ESWT had comparable effects in less sessions, HILT showed greater increases in cervical mobility.