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Far-Infrared Radiation Reduces Pain After Rotator Cuff Repair
Full Title
Far-Infrared Radiation to Improve Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Clinical Study
Summary
This randomized study examined the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy on pain, range of motion (ROM), and healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 64 patients. The FIR group received twice-daily 30-minute FIR sessions for 10 weeks. At 5 weeks and 3 months post-surgery, FIR patients reported significantly lower pain scores (1.7 vs. 2.8, P = 0.002 at 5 weeks; 2.4 vs. 3.2, P = 0.041 at 3 months). However, ROM, functional scores, and healing rates showed no significant differences between groups. FIR may be a safe and effective method to reduce early postoperative pain and support rehabilitation.