Effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy Combination in the TENS Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders Patients With Pain In The Masseter Muscle
Studies on laser therapy suggest its usefulness in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term effect of low intensity laser combination in the TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) treatment on patients suffering from masseter muscle pain.
Methods:
34 patients of temporomandibular disorders with masseter muscle pain were divided into two groups in a period of time between 2010 and 2013. Nineteen patients (3 males and 16 females) treated with low intensity laser and TENS (Combination group). Fifteen patients (1 male and 14 females) treated with TENS (TENS group). Pretreatment and posttreatment evaluation of masseter muscle pain at mouth opening and biting, was assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the range of maximum mouth opening were measured. The results of the two groups were compared.
Results:
The masseter muscle pain at opening and biting improved more than 30% in 12 of 19 patients (63.2%), 17 of 19 patients (89.5%) in Combination Group, and 7 of 15 patients (46.7%), 10 of 15 patients (66.6%) in TENS group.
Maximum mouth opening improved 5.0±5.9mm in Combination Group, 2.4±1.8mm in TENS group.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that the combination of low intensity laser and TENS therapy is more effective than the TENS therapy alone in a short term.
Reference
Annalisa Monaco, et al. Effects of transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation on electromyographic and kinesiographic activity of patients with temporomandibular dsorder: A placebo-controlled study.Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 22(2012) 463-468, 2012
Jose Suzano, et al. Laser Application Effects on the Bite Strength of the Masseter Muscle, as an Orofacial Pain Treatment. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 23(4) 373-376, 2005