Rapid LLLT protocol for myofascial pain and mouth opening limitation treatment in the clinical practice: An RCT

ABSTRACT

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a rapid treatment protocol of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with myofascial pain and mouth opening limitation.

Methods

Twenty patients were randomly allocated into the laser group (LG) (n = 10) and the placebo group (PG) (n = 10). Two LLLT sessions or placebo were performed. They were applied to the pain points upon palpation, with a 48-hr interval. Patients were evaluated for spontaneous pain sensitivity during mandibular movements and for oral health-related quality of life, which was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP/TMD) questionnaire.

Results

Two patients from the placebo group were lost during the study. A significant increase in the maximum mouth opening (p = 0.04) and improvement in OHIP/TMD scores (p = 0.003) were observed in the LG after 30 days.

Conclusion

Spontaneous pain was reduced in both groups with low-level laser therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Facial pain
• low-level light therapy
• placebo
• quality of life
• randomized controlled trial
• temporomandibular joint disorders

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Extension Incentive Fund of the Federal University of Santa Maria – Fiex 2017;UFSM [Fiex 2017].