Addition of photobiomodulation on the neck in patients with unspecific chronic shoulder pain

• Grant number: 22/12015-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Eduardo Pinfildi
• Grantee: Julia Adelungue Gasparotto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic and nonspecific shoulder pain has been characterized by the persistence of symptoms for at least six months and has become increasingly prevalent. The strong relationship between the cervical spine and the shoulder joint may indicate changes related to overload and excessive duration of symptoms. In the literature, we find several interventions that seek to relieve pain and improve the function of patients, and Photobiomodulation (PBM) appears as an option for pain relief in these cases. Objective: To compare the effect of two PBM techniques on pain intensity in patients with unspecific shoulder chronic pain. Method: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study that will be carried out at the research laboratory of the Federal University of São Paulo campus Baixada Santista. The study will have a group (G1) that will receive a standard treatment protocol with PBM in four points on the shoulder, and the second group (G2) that will receive the same protocol plus PBM in the cervical region. Both groups will receive a guide with therapeutic strengthing shoulder exercises for home. PBM will be performed with a laser cluster with 808nm (AsGaAl) with energy of 10J. The treatment will last for two weeks for twice a week. Groups will be assessed for pain primarily at all time points in the study and function at baseline and after four weeks of treatment.