Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders: a placebo-controlled study
Language English Country United States Media print
Document type Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
PubMed
17803388
DOI
10.1089/pho.2007.2053
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Low-Level Light Therapy methods MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pain Measurement MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders physiopathology radiotherapy MeSH
- Facial Pain physiopathology radiotherapy MeSH
- Placebos MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Chi-Square Distribution MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Controlled Clinical Trial MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Placebos MeSH
OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment for pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) was investigated in a controlled study comparing applied energy density, subgroups of TMD, and duration of disorders. BACKGROUND DATA: Although LLLT is a physical therapy used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, there is little evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of TMD. METHODS: The study group of 61 patients was treated with 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2), and the control group of 19 patients was treated with 0.1 J/cm(2). LLLT was performed by a GaAlAs diode laser with output of 400 mW emitting radiation wavelength of 830 nm in 10 sessions. The probe with aperture 0.2 cm(2) was placed over the painful muscle spots in the patients with myofascial pain. In patients with TMD arthralgia the probe was placed behind, in front of, and above the mandibular condyle, and into the meatus acusticus externus. Changes in pain were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Application of 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2) was significantly more effective in reducing pain compared to placebo, but there were no significant differences between the energy densities used in the study group and between patients with myofascial pain and temporomandibular joint arthralgia. Results were marked in those with chronic pain. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that LLLT (application of 10 J/cm(2) and 15 J/cm(2)) can be considered as a useful method for the treatment of TMD-related pain, especially long lasting pain.
Institute of Biophysics and Informatics 1st Medical Faculty Charles University Prague Czech Republic
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