Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on post-needling soreness in the trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle: A randomized double-blinded sham-controlled trial

Background Dry needling (DN) has been recognized as an effective intervention for the inactivation of myofascial trigger points. Nevertheless, post-needling soreness is the most frequently reported adverse event associated with this procedure. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in reducing post-needling soreness in an active MTrP of the upper trapezius muscle compared to a sham laser. Methods Patients were randomly allocated to receive either HILT (n = 32) or sham (n = 32). The HILT of wavelength 1064 nm with total energy 900 J, divided into three phases, was applied for seven minutes. The participants rated post-needling soreness using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) before performing and immediately after completing laser therapy. A 7-day pain diary, recording daily soreness and pain relief measures, was instructed. Results There was no statistically significant difference in post-intervention VAS and change in VAS between the two groups. The mean duration required for pain resolution and the use of pain relief medications over 7 days following the intervention did not differ statistically between groups. Conclusions HILT did not show a significant immediate effect in relieving post-needling soreness, nor in reducing the time to its resolution.