LASER THERAPY AND TMJD

Laser therapy is a non-invasive infra-red- and red-light therapy that can help many different issues.  One condition, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) has had some good results with the use of laser therapy.  Three good reasons to use laser therapy to help relieve TMJD discomfort are listed below.  If you have a TMJD issue, we have laser therapy at the clinic.  Ask us about what it may be able to do for you.

1. Anti-inflammatory Effects:

o   Laser therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.  In regards to TMJ dysfunction, inflammation is often a contributing factor to pain. Some studies propose that laser therapy may help modulate inflammation by influencing the cellular processes. A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found in a double-blind randomized controlled study that laser therapy could be beneficial in reducing pain associated with TMJD.

2. Improved Tissue Repair and Regeneration:

o   Laser therapy can help to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue repair. This is helpful in TMJ dysfunction, as there can be damage or degeneration of joint tissues. A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology in 2016 titled “Low-level laser therapy stimulates tissue repair and reduces the extracellular matrix degradation in rats with induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint” found that laser therapy on rats with arthritis helped tissue repair suggesting positive outcomes.

3. Pain Management:

o   Laser therapy is very often used for pain relieving effects. By helping to modulate pain perception and reduce inflammation, laser therapy can contribute to the management of TMJ related pain. A systematic review published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation in 2019 analyzed multiple studies and suggested that laser therapy may be effective in reducing myofascial pain associated with TMJ issues.

There is some evidence suggesting potential benefits of laser therapy and TMJ dysfunction. Individual responses may vary with laser therapy, and it is beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what care plan may be best for your particular issue.