Laser Therapy Case Study #3 (why start with case #1?!)

History: Patient is a 42 year-old male

presenting with right lateral elbow and

arm pain over a period of one year,

attributed to ergonomic stress on the

elbow during work as an accountant.

Right hand grip was affected. He was

treated with cortisone injections and

other medical therapy without success.

Treatment: Four treatments were

applied at ten watts and 3,500-4,300

joules in cw mode to the lateral elbow

and forearm. Ice was applied to the

treated site to reduce inflammation.

Results: Following the first treatment,

weakness was still present, but tissue

was softer, less swollen and pain was

reduced by 50%. After the four

treatments, patient’s grip had improved

and there was approximately 80%

reduction in tenderness, swelling and

pain with movement.

Conclusion: This positive patient

response demonstrates clinical

effectiveness of Class IV laser therapy in

lateral elbow and arm pain due to workrelated

ergonomic stress (Smith S, 2009).

Case 3 – Lateral elbow and arm pain