Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy on De Quervain's Tenosynovitis after Delivery

Abstract Background: De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is painful stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist that affecting daily physical functions and baby care. So, it is necessary to decrease pain in De Quervain's tenosyn-ovitis. Aim of Study: To investigate the efficacy of Low level laser therapy on de Quervain's tenosynovitis after delivery. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried upon 30 women suffering from de Quervain's Tenosynovitis after delivery. Their age ranged from 25 to 35 years old and their BMI was less than 30kg/m2. They were selected from Alsho-hadaa hospital- Al Monofia. The participants were randomly distributed in two groups equal in number. Study group (A) consisted of 15 women who received low level laser therapy (Wave length: 830nm, Energy density: 20J/cm2, Power: 30- 40, Contanous out put of 100%, Irradiation rate: 1min for each tender point , Beam diameter: 4mm) on the tender points of her dominant hand and then performed exercise program for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Additionally to this she adviced to wear thumb spica splint while patients of Control group (B) received exercise program for 30 minutes, 3 times per week every other day for four weeks. Additionally to this she adviced to wear thumb spica splint. All participants were evaluated by visual analogue scale, serum cortisol levels before and after treatment. Results: At the end of the treatment course, percentage of improvement in VAS and plasma cortisol levels was sig-nificantly high in the study group compared to the control group which means that low level laser therapy was effective in alleviating pain in women suffering from de Quervain's tenosynovitis after delivery. Conclusions: Low level laser therapy has beneficial effects in alleviating pain in women suffering from de Quervain's tenosynovitis after delivery.