Thermographic evaluation of occlusal splint and low level laser therapy in myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the effects of occlusal splint and low dose laser treatments clinically and thermographically in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

Methods: Twenty patients aged 18-45 with myofascial pain syndrome were involved into this study. Patients were examined by clinically and Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) was used for the diagnosis of TMD. Patients divided into two groups. First group treated with stabilisation splint, while the other one with low level laser therapy (LLLT). Pre- and post-treatment pain intensity, muscle sensitivity and the superficial skin temperature differences over the masseter and anterior temporal muscle were assessed, and comparison was made within and between the groups pre- and post-operatively.

Results: In both groups, there was a significant decrease in temperature values, especially in the masseter region (p < 0.05) and post-treatment pain intensity and muscle sensitivity values were lower than the pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). In addition, the heat values in certain regions of the masseter were lower in the LLLT group than in the splint group and there was a statistical difference in these regions between two groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the pain intensity and muscle sensitivity between both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that both occlusal splint therapy and low level laser therapy were effective in the treatment of MPS, and when thermographic data were taken into account, LLLT treatments could provide more advantageous results in these patients.

Keywords: Low level laser therapy; Myofascial pain syndrome; Occlusal splint; Thermography.