Overview
This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with exercise on pain, functional status, disability, and ultrasonographic findings in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain following stroke.
Description
Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication after stroke that significantly affects functional recovery and quality of life. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects.
Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups:
HILT + exercise therapy Sham HILT + exercise therapy
The treatment protocol will consist of 20 sessions over 4 weeks (5 sessions per week).
Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of week 4 by blinded assessors.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 30-75 years
- Hemiplegic shoulder pain after stroke
- Stroke within last 6 months
- VAS ≥ 3 for pain
- Medically stable
Exclusion Criteria:
- Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson, etc.)
- Recent shoulder surgery/injection
- Botulinum toxin (last 6 months)
- Malignancy
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy or photosensitivity
- Cognitive impairment
