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Laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial
Luciano Ambrosio Ferreira1, Rodrigo Guerra de Oliveira, Josemar Parreira Guimarães
1Diagnostic and Guidance Center for Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, S/N, Campus Universitário, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, 36036-900, Brazil, l3a6f9@yahoo.com.br.
Lasers in Medical Science
|February 6, 2013
Summary
Low-power infrared laser acupuncture significantly reduced chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. This noninvasive treatment offers a safe and effective option for managing TMD symptoms with no reported side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Acupuncture Therapy
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) presents a significant challenge in pain management.
- Current conservative treatments for TMD, such as occlusal splints, offer partial relief.
- Investigating novel therapeutic modalities is crucial for improving patient outcomes in TMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of low-power infrared GaAlAs diode laser applied to acupuncture points in patients with chronic TMD.
- To compare the effectiveness of laser acupuncture as an adjunct to occlusal splint therapy versus placebo laser with occlusal splint therapy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 40 female subjects with chronic TMD.
- Participants received either laser acupuncture plus occlusal splint therapy (experimental group) or placebo laser plus occlusal splint therapy (control group) weekly for 3 months.
- Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) by a blinded evaluator.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed symptom reduction, but the experimental group experienced significantly faster and lower pain intensity (p ≤ 0.002).
- Complete symptom remission (VAS=0) was achieved in 100% of the experimental group (n=20).
- The control group reported VAS scores between 2 and 4 (n=18), indicating residual pain.
Conclusions:
- Infrared low-power laser acupuncture is a secure, noninvasive, and effective treatment for chronic TMD pain.
- Laser acupuncture adjunct to conservative therapy significantly improves pain and symptom remission in TMD patients.
- This modality demonstrates a high safety profile with no observed side effects.