CLRT RCT

Reduction of musculoskeletal pain with Cranial Laser Reflex Technique (CLRT): A randomized controlled trial using pressure algometry

Nicholas A. Wise, D.C.

Background: Cranial Laser Reflex Technique (CLRT) is a novel method for reducing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, involving a brief laser stimulation of a specific cranial reflex point. Every major muscle group and each spinal segment has a corresponding cranial reflex point or line that appears to be linked to its tensional/ positional information. These make up a powerful cranial microsystem that is little known outside of a small segment of the chiropractic profession.

Objective: To compare the short-term effects of CLRT on painful musculoskeletal points with those of a sham treatment using pressure algometry. 

Design: Double-blinded randomized-controlled trial. 

Methods: 57 volunteers with various musculoskeletal pains gave informed consent and were randomly allocated to either the CLRT treatment or sham group. Painful trigger points and/or tender spinal joints were found in each patient, and using a digital algometer, the pain/pressure threshold (PPT) was determined and a pain rating was given using a numerical pain scale from 0-10. CLRT or sham CLRT was performed with a 40 mW, 840nm laser, for a maximum of 60 seconds to the appropriate cranial reflex(es). The initial pressure (PPT) was immediately delivered to the same spot, and the pain rated again.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in pain scores between CLRT and sham groups immediately following treatment. There was some improvement reported in 95% of the treatment group, with 59% reporting a change of 2 points or higher. In the control group, 18% reported an improvement, none of them greater than 1 point. The average change in pain scores in the treatment group was 2.6 points (p = 0.000), while the average improvement in the control group was 0.037 points (p = 0.4). The rest of the controls reported no change or a slight worsening on re-testing. Since the mean starting pain rating was 5.4, a decrease of 2.6 represents a 48% decrease in pain.

Conclusion: CLRT is an effective short-term treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Future studies will be needed to show efficacy over longer periods of time, as well as the effect on additional outcome measurements, like range of motion, quality of life, and EMG measurements of muscle tone.