ABSTRACT
This article summarises the current evidence for the treatment of whiplash associated disorders. The effect of immobilisation, physiotherapy, information and cognitive behavioural therapy was examined. Immobilisation was associated with a poorer outcome and could not be recommended. Physiotherapy was not more effective than information. Cognitive behavioural therapy seemed effective for the chronic patients. In conclusion, immobilisation cannot be recommended, but physiotherapy seems to be similar in effectiveness to information.
Subject(s)
Whiplash Injuries/therapy , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Evidence-Based Medicine , Humans , Orthotic Devices , Patient Education as Topic , Physical Therapy ModalitiesABSTRACT
A meta-analysis was undertaken of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on musculoskeletal pain. A literature search revealed 23 LLLT trials and of these 17 were controlled trials. Ten were double blind and 7 were insufficiently blinded. Within the studies identified pain was assessed by visual analogue scale or by "some other indices of pain". Nine double-blind trials and 4 controlled trials presented results in a form which allowed pooling of data. In the double-blind trials, the mean difference in pain between LLLT and placebo was 0.3% (S.E.(d) 4.6%, confidence limits -10.3-10.9%). In the insufficiently blinded trials the mean difference in pain was 9.5% (S.E.(d) 4.5%, confidence limits -2.9-21.8%). We conclude that LLLT has no effect on pain in musculoskeletal syndromes.
