Photobiomodulation therapy on acupuncture points significantly eases pain and enhances physical health in people suffering from Temporomandibular joint disorders.
In this study, twenty patients suffering from Temporomandibular joint disorders, who had been referred to the facial pain clinic at Semnan Faculty of Dentistry, were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group and the placebo group. The treatment group underwent low-level Photobiomodulation therapy for three minutes at each of ten specific acupuncture points, including GB20, SI19, ST6, ST7, and LI4. The process was repeated in ten sessions, on a biweekly basis. In comparison, the placebo group was subjected to the guiding light of the Photobiomodulation device only, on the same acupuncture points.
The performance of Photobiomodulation therapy showed significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups. While both groups were examined through pain relief and the maximum opening of their mouths, only the treatment group demonstrated visible improvements. Conversely, no notable alterations were seen between the two groups in terms of quality of life, as evaluated by the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Nonetheless, the treatment group exhibited significant progress in the physical health subscale of the SF-36 questionnaire post-treatment. Hence, Photobiomodulation therapy on acupuncture points is non-invasive and potential complementary therapy, proving beneficial for patients with Temporomandibular joint disorders.
