LAUSR

Abstract Background Laser acupuncture is one of the complementary modalities used for treating osteoarthritis. The study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in the treatment of grade 2 knee osteoarthritis. Patients and methods Forty patients having bilateral knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups (20 patients in each group). The patients of the first group were subjected to 12 laser sessions at the following acupoints (St 35, St36, Sp9, Sp10 and Gb 34). During each session, laser of 90 mw was directed to each acupoint for 1 min giving energy of 5.4 joules. Energy of 21.6 joules was directed to ashi points. The laser had a wavelength of 808 nm, beam diameter 2 mm and was applied with a continuous wave. The cases of the second group were used as controls. Each patient is exposed to sham laser (laser probe is directed to the same acupoints while the device is off). Results The 20 patients receiving laser showed significant improvement in pain on (VAS), increase in serum beta-endorphin and a decrease in substance P more than those exposed to sham laser. Conclusions Laser acupuncture is a safe and cheap tool for management of grade 2 knee osteoarthritis.