Peer-reviewed article
Combined Low-Level Laser and Ultrasound Therapy for Growing Pains in Children Aged Four to Twelve Years: A Pilot Study.
Ferreira EAL, Liberal LP, de Aquino Junior AE, de Menezes Reiff RB, Carbinatto FM et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This pilot study examined combined low-level laser and ultrasound therapy as a treatment for growing pains in children aged 4-12 years. Children were randomly assigned to receive either active treatment or placebo, with pain assessed over 30 days. The study found the treatment to be safe and possibly effective, though the authors note that larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Key points
- Growing pains are a frequent musculoskeletal pain condition in children with limited current therapeutic options
- Study used a randomized controlled design with treatment and placebo groups
- Pain was measured at three time points and tracked in a diary for 30 days
- Results indicated clinical safety of the combined therapy approach
- Authors conclude further clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy
Limitations
This is a pilot study with an unclear sample size and no information about the magnitude of effects or statistical significance of results. The document does not specify the country, sample characteristics beyond age, or provide detailed outcome data that would allow assessment of whether the treatment actually reduces pain compared to placebo.
Abstract
Growing pains are a frequent form of musculoskeletal pain in children, with an uncertain etiology and currently limited therapeutic options. Considering the need for non-pharmacological approaches, the potential of low-level laser therapy combined with ultrasonic therapy stands out as a possible therapeutic technique for this condition. The objective of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of this treatment in children diagnosed with growing pains in order to justify the development of further research on the same topic. After confirmation of the diagnosis, participants were randomized into a treatment group, treated with the laser and ultrasound-emitting equipment, and a placebo group. Pain was assessed at three time points and recorded in a diary for 30 days. The results indicated clinical safety and possible efficacy, reinforcing the need for further clinical trials on the subject.