Light therapy eases stroke muscle stiffness, improves walking

This study tested whether low-level laser therapy (a painless light treatment) could reduce muscle stiffness and improve walking in people who had a stroke at least a year ago. 18 participants received either laser plus physical therapy or physical therapy alone for three weeks. Both groups improved, but those who got laser therapy had greater reductions in stiffness and better walking quality. The findings suggest laser therapy could be a helpful addition to standard rehab for stroke survivors.