THE USE OF LASERPUNCTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC MUSCULAR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS: A PILOT STUDY

Resumo

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition commonly treated conservatively. Auricular acupuncture (AA) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) effectively reduce pain in orofacial conditions. However, their combined use, auricular laserpuncture, remains unexplored in TMD. AIM: This study aims to evaluate, in a pilot study, the effects of auricular laserpuncture in patients with chronic myogenous TMD. METHODOLOGY: In a randomized, double blind, controlled pilot trial, 18 participants (18–45 years) diagnosed with chronic myalgia by RDC/TMD were assigned to three groups: 1.9 J/cm² (Group 1), 6.4 J/cm² (Group 2), and 0J/cm² (Group 3). The laser was applied to standardized auriculotherapy points. Ten sessions over five weeks were performed, with standardized self-care instructions. Pain (VAS) and mandibular range of motion were assessed at baseline,after the fifth session and post-treatment. ANOVA and non parametric tests were used (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant improvements in VAS scores were observed over time (p = 0.006), with a significant reduction specifically in Group 1 after ten sessions. Statistically significant differences between groups were found for VAS (p = 0.001; p = 0.006), protrusion (p = 0.04), and range of laterality movements (p = 0.04). No significant differences were detected for maximum mouth opening. No significant group-by-time interaction was found. CONCLUSION: Through this pilot study, we observed that auricular laserpuncture at 780 nm with 1.9 J/cm², applied in 10 sessions twice weekly, reduced pain and improved some mandibular movements in chronic myogenous TMD.

Keywords: Auriculotherapy. Laser Theraphy. Photobiomodulation. Acupuncture. Temporomandibular Disorders.