Laser Therapy Improves Knee Arthritis

A British study demonstrated short and long-term improvement when humans with osteoarthritis received low level laser therapy (LLLT) at points on the affected knee, in addition to exercise and advice.

The randomised double-blind comparative trial was conducted by the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research, Dept of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Univ of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK. The 49 subjects were divided into an active laser group and a placebo laser group, each receiving 9 treatments. Results were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Saudi Knee Function Scale (SKFS) at 5 different times: at baseline, after the fifth treatment session, at the last treatment session, 6 weeks after treatment and 6 months after treatment.

Subjects receiving active laser treatment were significantly improved at the end of treatment, after 6 weeks, and after 6 months. Researchers concluded that short-term laser treatment at specific AP points in association with exercise and advice was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in these patients.

We might expect similar improvement to occur in arthritic pets. This is significant because knee arthritis is the most common arthritis we see in pets due, in part, to the frequency of ACL injury.

Among the dog breeds predisposed to knee arthritis as a consequence of luxating patellas are the Pomeranian, Chow Chow, and Cocker Spaniel. Many dogs are predisposed to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture which leads to arthritis. A recent 15-year long study of over 50,000 dogs suggested that mixed breed dogs are even more likely to have ACL damage than are purebred dogs.

To read more, see “Efficacy of LLLT applied at AP points in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised double-blind comparative trial” by Al Rashoud AS, Abboud RJ, Wang W, Wigderowitz C.. The article was published in Physiotherapy. 2013 Nov 15. pii: S0031-9406(13)00115-6. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2013.09.007. Institute of Motion Analysis and Research, Dept of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Univ of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK. c.a.wigderowitz@dundee.ac.uk. PMID: 24418801

Share this post