Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the usefulness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with myofascial release (MFR) technique for Temporomandibular myofascial pain (TMP) during pregnancy.
Methods: A randomized, controlled experiment with a prospective, double-blind design was conducted on 30 pregnant women, with a mean age of 28.2±3.4 years, at 24 weeks of pregnancy, seeking treatment for chronic TMP (lasting more than 3 months). The patients were randomly assigned into either control group (CG) who received standard treatment alone in the form of therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack and exercise program or experimental group (EG) who received the standard treatment combined with LLLT and MFR. Pain intensity and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function as a primary outcome and pain pressure threshold (PPT) as a secondary outcome were assessed pre and post the treatment (four weeks program).
Results: Participants from both groups improved all outcomes after the treatment (p < .001). The EG showed better improvement in the primary outcome function compared to the CG with (MD) = -2.07 (95%CI = -3.66 to -1.59). In addition, both groups significantly increased PPT at the TMJ, Masseter and Temporal anterior muscles in both sides (p < .001). Although the combined treatment resulted in clinically important changes in pain intensity, this change was more prominent in participants from the control group (MD = 2.6, 95%CI = 0.3 to 1.91).
Conclusion: LLLT combined with MFR and standard treatment is superior to standard treatment alone to reduce PPT and increase TMJ function in pregnant women with TMP.