EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY LASER THERAPY AND SHOCKWAVE ON PAIN, ROM AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH POST ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY

Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is commonly performed to restore knee stability; however, postoperative pain, reduced range of motion (ROM), and functional disability remain significant challenges during rehabilitation. Objective: To compare the effects of high-intensity laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy on pain, ROM, and functional disability in patients following ACL reconstruction. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted and 38 patients aged 18–40 years who had undergone ACL reconstruction enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (HILT, n=19) and Group B (ESWT, n=19). Both groups received standardized rehabilitation in addition to their respective interventions for 6 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric measurement of knee ROM, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p<0.001). However, the HILT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to the ESWT group. Pain reduction was higher in the HILT group (-4.1 ± 1.2 vs -3.2 ± 1.3, p=0.01), ROM improvement was greater (+26.2° ± 7.4 vs +19.2° ± 6.8, p=0.008), and KOOS scores improved more substantially (+22.9 ± 6.7 vs +16.9 ± 7.2, p=0.01). A higher proportion of patients in the HILT group achieved excellent functional outcomes (57.9% vs 36.8%, p=0.04). KOOS subscale analysis also showed significantly better results in the HILT group across all domains (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both HILT and ESWT are effective in improving pain, ROM, and functional disability following ACL reconstruction; however, HILT demonstrated superior outcomes across all parameters.