High Intensity Laser Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

High and Low Intensity Laser Therapy for Frozen Shoulder: What the Evidence Tells Us

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition that affects up to 5% of the general population. It is particularly common among women between the ages of 40 and 60 (often due to estrogen depletion during menopause). Characterized by progressive pain and stiffness, it can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. While conventional treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery remain standard options, many patients experience limited relief or undesirable side effects.

A recent 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Electronic Journal of General Medicine offers compelling evidence supporting the integration of laser therapy into the management of frozen shoulder. The study compared high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as adjuncts to traditional physical therapy across nine randomized controlled trials involving 444 participants comparing the effectiveness of low level to high level laser (our lasers at Solasta do both).

High Level Laser Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Key Findings

1. Laser Therapy Significantly Enhances Outcomes
Laser therapy, when used alongside physical therapy, led to statistically significant improvements in:

• Pain reduction

• Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores

• Shoulder abduction range of motion

• Quality of life indicators, especially in physical functioning and emotional well-being

2. High Level Laser Demonstrates Superior Pain Reduction
High-intensity laser therapy was especially effective in:

• Reducing pain severity

• Improving disability scores

• Enhancing overall shoulder function

These outcomes suggest HILT may be particularly well suited for patients in the acute or highly painful phases of frozen shoulder.

3. LLLT Shows Benefits in Mental Health and Physical Functioning
Low-level laser therapy showed notable improvements in:

• Emotional well-being

• Physical functioning

These findings position LLLT as a potentially valuable modality for supporting long-term recovery, especially where emotional and functional well-being are a concern.

Areas with Limited Impact

Not all outcomes showed significant changes. The study reported no statistically significant improvements in:

• Shoulder flexion or external rotation

• General health perception

• Social functioning or emotional role limitations

Additionally, meta-regression analysis found that age, sample size, and follow-up duration did not significantly predict treatment outcomes in most domains, with one exception: longer follow-up was associated with greater improvement in physical functioning.

Understanding the Mechanisms

• High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) utilizes short, powerful bursts of near-infrared light (typically 800 - 1064 nm) to penetrate deeper tissues. It generates mild thermal effects that stimulate blood flow, accelerate healing, and reduce inflammation.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses continuous, low-power light (600 - 950 nm) that exerts photochemical effects at the cellular level, enhancing mitochondrial activity and tissue repair in more superficial structures.

At Solasta, we are committed to evidence-based practice. These findings reinforce the clinical value of our therapeutic laser offerings as part of comprehensive care for musculoskeletal conditions such as frozen shoulder. As always, we encourage an individualized assessment to determine the most effective treatment protocol for each client.

For clients seeking non-invasive, well-supported therapies for pain and mobility issues, laser therapy presents a promising, science-backed solution.

Note on these Research Findings

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a valuable contribution to the growing body of evidence supporting laser therapy for frozen shoulder. Its strengths include a clear methodology, adherence to PRISMA guidelines, and the inclusion of only randomized controlled trials, enhancing the credibility of its findings. The study successfully demonstrates that laser therapy, particularly high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), can significantly reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance quality of life when used alongside conventional physical therapy.

However, the study also has limitations, including high heterogeneity across outcomes, small sample sizes in some trials, variability in laser parameters, and relatively short follow-up periods. These factors limit the generalizability of the results and make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about optimal treatment protocols.

Despite these challenges, the overall message is encouraging: laser therapy, especially when carefully tailored to intensity and patient needs, shows meaningful promise as a non-invasive, effective addition to the rehabilitation toolbox. As research continues to evolve, clinicians and patients alike can feel hopeful about the expanding role of photobiomodulation in restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving daily life for anyone living with frozen shoulder.