OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of linearly polarized near-infrared irradiation (Super Lizer) combined with aerothermotherapy in the treatment of patients with frozen shoulder and diabetes.

METHODSEighty-four diabetic patients with frozen shoulder were randomized into 3 groups to receive a 20-day treatment with drug therapy and shoulder exercise (control group), daily linearly polarized near-infrared irradiation in addition to the control therapy (Super Lizer group), or daily Super lizer and aerothermotherapy (S+P group) in addition to the control therapy. Visual analogue scale was used to assess the changes in the pain intensity, and the shoulder movement was assessed using shoulder movement disorder degree integral scores.

RESULTSAfter the 20-day treatment, the VAS scores and shoulder movement disorder degree integral scores in the 3 groups all significantly decreased (P<0.05), and these scores in Super Lizer group and S+P group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The cure rate in S+P group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONLinearly polarized near-infrared irradiation combined with aerothermotherapy is effective for treatment of patients with frozen shoulder and diabetes with a high cure rate and short treatment course.