Asian Journal of Advances in Medical Science

Background: Trapezitis is an inflammatory disease of the trapezius muscle, which is accompanied by pain and muscle contraction accompanied by myofascial trigger points, which limit neck movement and worsen the functioning of the daily routine. The problem is becoming more common in Information Technology (IT) workers, who tend to work in long fixed postures, spend much time in front of the computer, and make repetitive neck motions that result in overuse of upper trapezius and muscular exhaustion. Laser therapy [LLLT] as well as Infrared radiation [IRR] has independently been found to reduce the intensity of pain and enhance the functioning in a number of musculoskeletal diseases and trapezitis included. Nevertheless, the major part of the evidence is in the form of small clinical trials, and the absence of comparative studies that would directly compare the relative efficacy of both therapies in IT professionals with trapezitis.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of Laser Therapy versus Infrared Radiation in reducing pain and improving Quality of Life among IT Professionals.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of Laser Therapy and Infrared Radiation in reducing pain and improving quality of life among IT Professionals with trapezitis.

Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and ScienceDirect were systematically searched to identify studies published within the period of 2014–2025. were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a total of 19 studies were included in the final analysis. Combinations of keywords were used: Laser Therapy, Trapezitis, Upper Trapezius, Visual Analogue Scale, NDI Scale, IT Professionals, Quality of Life. Only articles reviewing either Laser or Infrared Radiation interventions in musculoskeletal or trapezius pain were included.

Results: While both techniques had similar benefits in pain relief and improving functional outcomes, laser treatment exhibited superior outcomes with regard to depth of penetration, quickness of pain relief, and tissue repair capacity. Infrared radiation proved effective for improved local circulation and reduced muscle stiffness.

Conclusion: This literature review concludes that Low-Level Laser Therapy and Infrared Radiation Therapy are both useful in pain management and functional outcome improvement in patients with trapezitis. Nonetheless, the absence of high-quality comparative studies does not allow conclusive findings on which modality is better. Additional randomized controlled trials are encouraged to provide direct comparison of the two methods.