Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy Using 980nm Versus 635nm Diode Lasers for Treatment of Myofascial Pain

Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy Using 980nm Versus 635nm Diode Lasers for Treatment of Myofascial Pain

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using two different diode laser wavelengths (980 nm and 635 nm) in the treatment of myofascial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study compares pain reduction and muscle activity improvement using surface electromyography (sEMG) before and after laser application. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either 980 nm or 635 nm laser treatment twice per week for five weeks. The primary outcomes include pain intensity and functional mandibular movements, while secondary outcomes assess changes in sEMG recordings.

This randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using two diode laser wavelengths-980 nm and 635 nm-for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study is conducted at the National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University.

Participants who meet the inclusion criteria are randomly assigned to two intervention groups. Group 1 receives LLLT using a 635 nm diode laser, while Group 2 receives LLLT using a 980 nm diode laser. Both groups undergo treatment twice per week for a total of five weeks, following a standardized protocol.

The primary outcomes include pain intensity assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and evaluation of mandibular range of motion including lateral and protrusive movements. Secondary outcomes involve the assessment of masseter and temporalis muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG) before and after the treatment period.

The study aims to provide evidence-based comparison between the two wavelengths in terms of pain reduction and neuromuscular improvement, contributing to the optimization of non-invasive laser protocols for TMD-related myofascial pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• - patients with myofascial pain due to stress, medically free, not to resort to self-medication during the study period with no chronic diseases.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with TMJ disorders either due to bony degeneration changes or soft tissue changes.
• Patients with pain of dental etiology were excluded, pregnancy, lactation, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetic patients, erosions and medically free.
• Patient with history of malignancy or a history of previous surgery of neck and/ shoulder within the past year of the study were excluded.
• Any patients had treatment that can affect muscles will be excluded, either pharmacological treatment (e.g, opioids, morphine, muscles relaxants or anti-depressants), physiotherapy management and occlusal splints.