Low-level laser therapy and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in the management of temporomandibular disorders

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) in the management of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Background: TMDs are a collective term embracing a number of clinical problems that affect the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and associated structures, or both. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with TMD of muscular origin were randomly selected and divided into two groups: Group 1 comprising 10 patients who were to receive LLLT and Group 2 constituting 10 patients who were to obtain TENS therapy. Treatment included nine sessions of the respective therapy rendered over the period of 30-day to patients of either group. The visual analog scale (VAS), improvement in mouth opening and evaluation by palpation of temporalis and masseter muscle were used for follow-up analysis. A paired t-test was employed to study the significance of the results. Results: The results showed a reduction in VAS values and tenderness to muscle palpation for both groups. A significant improvement in mouth opening was also noted in the course of therapy in both groups. Conclusion: Both LLLT and TENS were effective with regard to pain control, improvement in mouth opening and reduction in temporalis and masseter muscle tenderness. LLLT appeared slightly better than TENS therapy when evaluating variables of VAS and mouth opening.