Background: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs) are considered the most common
chronic orofacial pain conditions. It is characterized by pain in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
area, masticatory muscles and associated musculoskeletal structures with the affection of mouth
opening. Conventional physiotherapy and Low-Level LASER Therapy (LLLT ) are safe and noninvasive
modalities that each therapist focuses on to relieve pain and increase the quality of life.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level LASER therapy combined
with conventional physiotherapy on pain and quality of life in patients with Myofascial pain
dysfunction syndrome (MPDS).
Methods: 60 patients (45 females and 15 males) with MFDS of TMJ were divided randomly
into study and control groups. The study group received conventional physiotherapy consisting of
active and stretching exercises for mandibular muscles with ultrasound and LLLT application on
TMJ area. Control group received conventional physiotherapy only. Pressure pain threshold was
evaluated using hand-held pressure algometer and quality of life was evaluated using the World
Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment instrument at baseline and 4
weeks after the treatment.
Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the quality of life, with a significant
increase (p<0.05) in pressure pain threshold for TMJ, masseter and anterior temporalis muscles at
both sides in the study group compared with control group.
Conclusion: The combination of conventional therapy with LLLT was more effective in pain
relief and improvement of the quality of life than the conventional therapy alone for patients with
MPDS.