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Potentiation of physiotherapy by low-level laser or kinesio taping for treatment of cervicogenic headache: a randomized controlled study

The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology volume 32, pages 248–254 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

Background

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a referred pain originating from the neck and perceived in the head and/or face. Its morbidity and cost of treatment hugely affect the society. Classical management is by physiotherapy (PT) and analgesics.

Patients and methods

A total of 45 patients with CGH were treated either by PT alone or by PT and low-level laser or by PT and kinesio taping (KT).

Results

Three outcome measures were obtained: the pain pressure threshold, the neck disability index, and the forward head posture improved significantly in all groups. Compared with PT alone, adding KT gave better results in all three parameters. Adding low-level laser gave better scores in both pain pressure threshold and neck disability index. Adding KT to PT gave better results in all parameters than adding low-level laser.

Conclusion

In the short term, KT improves the outcome of PT for CGH to a greater extent compared with the low-level laser therapy.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Otorhinolaryngology Unit, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

    Hazem Mohamed Saleh MD

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

    Marina Onsy Fahim Edward

  3. Center for Physiotherapy, Helmeya Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt

    Ahmed Al Farouk Abdel Fattah

  4. Department of Physical Therapy in Orthopedics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, 6th of October University, 6th of October City, Egypt

    Mohamed Farouk Ali

Authors
  1. Hazem Mohamed Saleh MD
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  2. Marina Onsy Fahim Edward
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  3. Ahmed Al Farouk Abdel Fattah
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  4. Mohamed Farouk Ali
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Correspondence to Hazem Mohamed Saleh MD.

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Saleh, H.M., Edward, M.O.F., Fattah, A.A.F.A. et al. Potentiation of physiotherapy by low-level laser or kinesio taping for treatment of cervicogenic headache: a randomized controlled study. Egypt J Otolaryngol 32, 248–254 (2016). https://doi.org/10.4103/1012-5574.192549

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1012-5574.192549

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