Effect of Low-Power Laser Therapy on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of low-power laser therapy on pain intensity and functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the active laser therapy combined with a physical therapy program or a control group. The study aims to determine if adding laser therapy provides better relief and improves daily physical functions compared to conventional treatment alone.

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Key information

Conditions

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Cardiovascular Diseases Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

30 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age between 35-50 years.
Clinically diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) by a physician based on standard diagnostic criteria.
Presence of neurogenic symptoms such as pain, paraesthesia, numbness, or --
weakness in the upper extremity.
Symptoms lasting for at least 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

History of cervical disc herniation or cervical radiculopathy.
Previous surgical intervention in the cervical or thoracic outlet region.
Severe cardiovascular or systemic diseases that may interfere with treatment. --Pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices.
Skin conditions or infections in the treatment area.
Receiving any other form of laser therapy or conflicting treatment during the study.

Treatment and study plan

Low Level Laser Therapy

Device

"Patients will receive low-level laser therapy using a Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenide (GaAlAs) laser diode. Wavelength: 850nm, Power: 100mW. It will be applied to specific trigger points in the neck and shoulder area for 5 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks."

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Device

"Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound applied to the symptomatic area. Frequency: 1 MHz, Intensity: 1.5 W/cm², Duty cycle: 20%. The treatment will be applied for 5-8 minutes per session."

Physical Therapy Exercises

Behavioral

A supervised physical therapy program focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle. This includes stretching of the scalene and pectoralis minor muscles, as well as strengthening of the middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior. Each session lasts 30 minutes, twice per week for 8 weeks.

Sham Laser Therapy

Device

"The same laser device will be used as in the experimental group, but without delivering any active laser energy. The device will be applied to the same points for the same duration to ensure blinding of the participants."

Primary outcomes

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

Time frame: Baseline and 2 months post-treatment.

The minimum pressure at which a stimulus is perceived as painful, measured using a digital pressure algometer at specific trigger points. The device measures the pressure in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Acronym: LPLT-TOS

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Apr 17, 2026
Registry last updated: Apr 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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