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. 2012 May;30(5):275-80.
doi: 10.1089/pho.2011.3171.

Effectiveness of physiotherapy and GaAlAs laser in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders

Tatjana Dostalová  1 , Petra Hlinakova, Magdalena Kasparova, Adam Rehacek, Lenka Vavrickova, Leoš Navrátil
Affiliations

Effectiveness of physiotherapy and GaAlAs laser in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders

Tatjana Dostalová et al. Photomed Laser Surg. 2012 May.

Abstract

Objective: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment method commonly used in physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to monitor the function of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding tissues and compare the objective measurements of the effect of LLLT.

Background data: LLLT has been considered effective in reducing pain and muscular tension; thus improving the quality of patients' lives.

Materials and methods: TMJ function was evaluated by cephalometric tracing analysis, orthopantomogram, TMJ tomogram, and computer face-bow record. Interalveolar space between central incisors before and after therapy was measured. Patients evaluated pain on the Visual Analog Scale. LLLT was performed in five treatment sessions (energy density of 15.4 J/cm(2)) by semiconductive GaAlAs laser with an output of 280 mW, emitting radiation wavelength of 830 mm. The laser supplied a spot of ~0.2 cm(2).

Results: Baseline comparisons between the healthy patients and patients with low-level laser application show that TMJ pain during function is based on anatomical and function changes in TMJ areas. Significant differences were seen in the posterior and anterior face height. The results comparing healthy and impaired TMJ sagittal condyle paths showed that patients with TMJ pain during function had significantly flatter nonanatomical movement during function. After therapy, the unpleasant feeling was reduced from 27.5 to 4.16 on the pain Visual Analog Scale. The pain had reduced the ability to open the mouth from 34 to 42 mm.

Conclusions: The laser therapy was effective in the improvement of the range of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and promoted a significant reduction of pain symptoms.

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Figures

FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.
Dolphin imaging 11.0 – cephalometric tracing analysis.
FIG. 2.
FIG. 2.
Computer face-bow record and functional analysis with Protar articulator settings monitor the TMJ movement before and after treatment.
FIG. 3.
FIG. 3.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
FIG. 4.
FIG. 4.
Interalveolar space between central incisors before and after therapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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