Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the most common reason for pain and limited function of the masticatory system. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and occlusal splint therapy (OST) are therapeutic options for MPDS. This study aims to evaluate the effect of LLLT and OST on pain relief and mandibular movement improvement in patients with myofascial pain.
Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome in the masticatory muscles is the most common temporomandibular disorder. Patients suffer from pain and muscle tenderness and may present with or without restricted mouth opening. The etiology of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome is multifactorial including psychological factors, occlusion imbalance, and parafunctional habits. Treatments for myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome include education, self-care, physical therapy, use of intra-oral appliances, short-term pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques. Temporomandibular disorder is most often treated using occlusal splints safely to reduce temporomandibular joint load, and subsequently, clinical symptoms, as a reversible therapy. Occlusal splints need to be used for at least three months to eliminate temporomandibular disorders. One of physical therapy is laser treatment. Laser treatment on tissues provides a clinical effect called biostimulation, where the basic mechanism occurs at the molecular level. The low-level laser has non-invasive and inoffensive characteristics at appropriate parameters.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Trakya University
Merkez, Edirne, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change from Baseline Visual Analogue Scale
Pain intensity during muscle palpations. Scores are ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline, one month after the beginning of treatment and two months after the beginning of treatment
Change from Baseline maximum unassisted mouth opening
Value of Maximum unassisted mouth opening as a centimeter. Scores are ranging from 0 to 45 centimeters. Higher scores mean a better outcome.
Time frame: Baseline, one month after the beginning of treatment and two months after the beginning of treatment
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