Articles

Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) For Temporomandibular Joint Pain: A Clinical Electromyographic and Thermographic Study

This paper analyses the use of LILT (Gallium Aluminum Arsenide 830 nm and Visible Red 660 nm) in 75 consecutive patients with a variety of painful temporomandibular joint conditions.
Results were assessed by serial VAS scores, measurement of inter-incisal clearance and palpation of tender trigger points. Selected patients were examined by electromyography and thermography.

Results:

   1. Acute cases with duration of symptoms of less than 8 weeks showed the possibility of a good and lasting response with LILT alone.

   2. In osteoarthritis cases results were comparable to an intra articular injection of Cortisone.

   3. In chronic cases (longer duration than 8 weeks) with internal derangement LILT was useful in combination with other therapies e.g. Splints and/or arthroscopy.

   4. In some resistant cases combination with ultrasound may be useful.

   5. Laser acupuncture (660 nm) merits further study particularly at the auricular site.

Conclusion: LILT is a useful modality of treatment for painful temporomandibular joint disorder, and may profitably be combined with other therapies.