Rapid LLLT protocol for myofascial pain and mouth opening limitation treatment in the clinical practice: An RCT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a rapid treatment protocol of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with myofascial pain and mouth opening limitation.

METHODS: Twenty patients were randomly allocated into the laser group (LG) (n = 10) and the placebo group (PG) (n = 10). Two LLLT sessions or placebo were performed. They were applied to the pain points upon palpation, with a 48-hr interval. Patients were evaluated for spontaneous pain sensitivity during mandibular movements and for oral health-related quality of life, which was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile for Temporomandibular Disorders (OHIP/TMD) questionnaire.

RESULTS: Two patients from the placebo group were lost during the study. A significant increase in the maximum mouth opening ( p = 0.04) and improvement in OHIP/TMD scores ( p = 0.003) were observed in the LG after 30 days.

CONCLUSION: Spontaneous pain was reduced in both groups with low-level laser therapy.