Frank R Chen1, Joseph E Manzi2, Neel Mehta2, Amitabh Gulati3, Mark Jones4,5. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. 2. Department of Interventional Pain Medicine, New-York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA. 3. Department of Chronic Pain Management, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA. 4. Department of Interventional Pain Medicine, New-York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA. jarkmones@gmail.com. 5. Pain Medicine of the South, Knoxville, TN, 37934, USA. jarkmones@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic pain management therapies have expanded quickly over the past decade. In particular, the use of laser therapy and ultrasound in the management of chronic pain has risen in recent years. Understanding the uses of these types of therapies can better equip chronic pain specialists for managing complicated chronic pain syndromes. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current literature regarding laser radiation and ultrasound therapy used for managing chronic pain syndromes. RECENT FINDINGS: In summary, there is stronger evidence supporting the usage of laser therapy for managing chronic pain states compared to low-intensity ultrasound therapies. As a monotherapy, laser therapy has proven to be beneficial in managing chronic pain in patients with a variety of pain syndromes. On the other hand, LIUS has less clear benefits as a monotherapy with an uncertain, optimal delivery method established. Both laser therapy and low-intensity ultrasound have proven beneficial in managing various pain syndromes and can be effective interventions, in particular, when utilized in combination therapy.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic pain management therapies have expanded quickly over the past decade. In particular, the use of laser therapy and ultrasound in the management of chronic pain has risen in recent years. Understanding the uses of these types of therapies can better equip chronic pain specialists for managing complicated chronic pain syndromes. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current literature regarding laser radiation and ultrasound therapy used for managing chronic pain syndromes. RECENT FINDINGS: In summary, there is stronger evidence supporting the usage of laser therapy for managing chronic pain states compared to low-intensity ultrasound therapies. As a monotherapy, laser therapy has proven to be beneficial in managing chronic pain in patients with a variety of pain syndromes. On the other hand, LIUS has less clear benefits as a monotherapy with an uncertain, optimal delivery method established. Both laser therapy and low-intensity ultrasound have proven beneficial in managing various pain syndromes and can be effective interventions, in particular, when utilized in combination therapy.
Authors: François Desmeules; Jennifer Boudreault; Jean-Sébastien Roy; Clermont Dionne; Pierre Frémont; Joy C MacDermid Journal: Phys Ther Sport Date: 2014-09-23 Impact factor: 2.365