New Generation Low Level Laser Effect in Myofacial Pain Syndrome

New Generation Low Level Laser Effect on Masseter Muscle Oxygenation, Bite Force and Algometric Changes in Myofacial Pain Syndrome: A Randomised, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Low level laser treatments have been used to treat painful trigger points in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), but the effectiveness of the appropriate laser type and parameters is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different types of low level laser treatment (LLLT) in reducing pain levels, changing oxygen saturation and bite force in patients with MPS.

A total of 45 patients with MPS were randomly divided into three groups. First group received LLLT with GRR laser over massater muscle region. Patients in the second group were treated with Nd:YAG laser and the same protocol with Nd:YAG laser was performed in the placebo group using sham device. Pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), change in oxygen concentration in the massater muscle was measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy- fNIRS and bite force was measured with Flexiforce sensors before and after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

-patients with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders and diagnosed with MPS as a result of the clinical examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with internal TMJ irregularities or degenerative joint changes,
• patients with restricted mouth opening, deviation or deflection,
• patients with systemic diseases,
• pregnant women,
• patients who had received MPS treatment within the previous year