A Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy on Phantom Pain after Mastectomy

Background: Phantom pain is pain caused by elimination or interruption of sensory nerve impulses by destroying or injuring the sensory nerve fibers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on phantom pain after mastectomy. Methods: Sixty patients with unilateral mastectomy were participated in this study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The laser group received LLLT plus routine physical therapy program 3 times/week for 8-weeks, while the control group received placebo laser plus routine physical therapy program. Outcome measures: Visual Analogue scale (VAS) and shoulder range of motion (ROM) was evaluated for both groups at baseline (0wk) and after 8-weeks (8wk) of intervention. Results: The clinical and demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable at baseline. VAS, showed significant decrease post-treatment in the laser group than the placebo laser group. ROM significantly increased after 8-weeks of treatment in the laser group than placebo group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Laser therapy was found to be an effective adjunctive modality for phantom pain reduction and increase ROM in post-mastectomy patients.