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Abstract
Limited studies have demonstrated that low intensity laser therapy (LILT) may have a therapeutic effect on the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Sixty (60) patients with MPS and having one active trigger point in the anterior masseter and anterior temporal muscles were selected and assigned randomly to six groups (n=10): Groups I to III were treated with GaAlAS (780 nm) laser, applied in continuous mode and in a meticulous way, twice a week, for four weeks. Energy was set to 25 J/cm2, 60 J/cm2 and 105 J/cm2, respectively. Groups IV to VI were treated with placebo applications, simulating the same parameters as the treated groups. Pain scores were assessed just before, then immediately after the fourth application, immediately after the eighth application, at 15 days and one month following treatment. A significant pain reduction was observed over time (p<0.001). The analgesic effect of the LILT was similar to the placebo groups. Using the parameters described in this experiment, LILT was effective in reducing pain experienced by patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Thus, it was not possible to establish a treatment protocol. Analyzing the analgesic effect of LILT suggests it as a possible treatment of MPS and may help to establish a clinical protocol for this therapeutic modality.
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Notes on contributors
Thaise Graciele Carrasco
Dr. Thaise Graciele Carrasco received her D.D.S. degree in 2004 from the Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2006, she received an M.D. degree and a Ph.D. in 2009 from the same university.
Laise Daniela Carrasco Guerisoli
Dr. Laise Daniela Carrasco Guerisoli received her D.D.S. degree in 2002 from the Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2004, she received an M.D. degree and a Ph.D. in 2008 from the same university.
Danilo Mathias Zanello Guerisoli
Dr. Danilo Mathias Zanello Guerisoli received his D.D.S. degree in 1996 from the Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2002, he received an M.D. degree and a Ph.D. in 2008 from the same university. Since 2006, he has served as professor at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Marcelo Oliveira Mazzetto
Dr. Marcelo Oliveira Mazzetto received his D.D.S. degree in 1980 from the Faculty of Dentistry of Uberaba Minas Gerais, Brazil. In 1985, he received an M.D. degree and a Ph.D. in 1987 from the Faculty of Dentistry of Araraquara, Brazil. Since 1999, he has served as a titular professor at the Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.