Jeniffer A, N Senthil Kumar, Jeslin G N, Ramya S, Pooja S, Surya V, Aravindh B, Karthick K
Jeniffer A, N Senthil Kumar, Jeslin G N, Ramya S, Pooja S, Surya V et al. – Effect of low-level laser therapy on sitting tolerance and activities of daily living in individuals with coccydynia – Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 428-431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19O1M3
Abstract
Introduction. Coccydynia is defined as pain developing in the coccyx region. The condition is three times more common among women and people with obesity. Common treatments include corticosteroid injections, manual therapy, and physical modalities. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions, particularly low-level laser therapy, in managing coccydynia.
Aim of the study. To determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in improving sitting duration and daily activity participation among patients with coccydynia.
Materials and methods. This study was conducted in a private hospital in Chennai with 30 participants selected from an initial pool of 50 using random sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the LLLT group (n = 15) received low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and the US group (n = 15) received ultrasound therapy (US). Both groups also received pelvic bridging exercises over a 2-week intervention period. Outcome measures included the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ) and the pain-free sitting duration (PFSD) scale.
Results. Both groups showed significant improvement in DPQ and PFSD scores (p < 0.0001). The LLLT group showed a reduction in DPQ scores from 71.60 to 39.40 and an increase in PFSD from 7.30 to 11.10. The US group showed a greater reduction in DPQ scores from 68.60 to 27.30 and a larger improvement in PFSD from 7.20 to 15.60. These findings indicate that while both therapies were effective, ultrasound therapy achieved a more pronounced reduction in pain and better functional outcomes than low-level laser therapy.
Conclusion. Both LLLT and ultrasound therapy effectively reduced pain and improved sitting tolerance in individuals with coccydynia. However, ultrasound therapy demonstrated superior clinical outcomes, making it a more effective conservative treatment option in this population.
Keywords
coccydynia, pelvic floor, exercise therapy, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, coccyx