Effectiveness of Adding Low Level Laser Therapy to Rocabado's Approach for Myogenic Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Effectiveness of Adding Low Level Laser Therapy to Rocabado's Approach for Myogenic Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Rocabado's 6x6 exercises are designed to improve muscular co-ordination, relax tense muscles, increase temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ROM, alter the jaw closure pattern and muscle strength. These exercises have been found to be beneficial in reducing pain and increasing masticatory muscle function, as well as restoring restricted joint mobility, muscle length limitation, and postural and functional limitations. In addition, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to reduce inflammation and pain in patients with TMJ dysfunction. Although that to the best of the authors' knowledge the combined effect of Rocabado's approach with LLLT has not been studied. So, the current study is the first double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial that investigating the effect of adding LLLT to Rocabado's approach for TMJ myogenic disorders.
Inclusion Criteria:
(1) The patient's ages ranged from 18 to 40 years ; (2) having symptoms of TMD for at least twelve weeks duration established by expert physician or orthopaedician; (3) mouth opening < 25mm
Exclusion Criteria:
(1) TMJ fracture undergone any surgical procedure for TMJ; (2) Fracture surrounding TMJ; (3) Dislocation or subluxation of TMJ; (4) Systemic generalized joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, congenital diseases or facial paralysis; (5) recently any dental treatment taken or surgery over TMJ; (6) Hematological cervical disorders which may affect the jaw; (7) Neurological deficits e.g. Bells palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia; (8) Recent infections (within the last six months) affecting the head and neck e.g. bone infections, meningitis, encephalitis, malaria, ear infection; (9) Participants who were using any functional appliances e.g. dentures, braces, bite appliances which had been adjusted or fitted in the last 12 weeks prior to the commencement of this study.