The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of low-power laser therapy on pain intensity and functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the active laser therapy combined with a physical therapy program or a control group. The study aims to determine if adding laser therapy provides better relief and improves daily physical functions compared to conventional treatment alone.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
"Patients will receive low-level laser therapy using a Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenide (GaAlAs) laser diode. Wavelength: 850nm, Power: 100mW. It will be applied to specific trigger points in the neck and shoulder area for 5 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks."
"Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound applied to the symptomatic area. Frequency: 1 MHz, Intensity: 1.5 W/cm², Duty cycle: 20%. The treatment will be applied for 5-8 minutes per session."
A supervised physical therapy program focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle. This includes stretching of the scalene and pectoralis minor muscles, as well as strengthening of the middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior. Each session lasts 30 minutes, twice per week for 8 weeks.
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
The minimum pressure at which a stimulus is perceived as painful, measured using a digital pressure algometer at specific trigger points. The device measures the pressure in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²).
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months post-treatment.
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"The same laser device will be used as in the experimental group, but without delivering any active laser energy. The device will be applied to the same points for the same duration to ensure blinding of the participants."