Low Level Laser therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation therapy
Additional Information
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive, rapid and safe non-pharmaceutical treatment method.
The use of laser therapy is considered to be a cutting edge evidence based practice in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain syndromes including TMJ pain.
The most recent scientific research has shown that patients are receptive to laser therapy which also has a positive psychological effect. Laser therapy is a safe therapeutic procedure, with well-established indications and contraindications through positive clinical trials, scientific investigations of the tissue changes that it promotes, and above all a better understanding of its mechanism of action.
Advantages of this therapy include partial or total pain relief, excluded or reduced use of analgesic drugs, no infections, no cardiovascular dysfunctions, and no after effects. Laser therapy is well tolerated by any age and it is painless, aseptic, cost effective on the human body. Moreover, laser therapy is also important for reduction costs of treatment, as patients have less need for surgical treatment or medications during treatment.
Description of treatment
In this therapy, a light source is placed near or in contact with the skin, allowing the light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue where it interacts with chromophores located in cells resulting in photophysical and photochemical changes that lead to alterations at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels of the body. Light induces a complex chain of physiological reactions in diseased and damaged tissues to accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration, increase circulation, reduce acute inflammation, reduce acute and chronic pain and help restore normal cellular function. Interestingly, recent research indicates that light can enhance performance in normal tissues and cells.
Dr Joseph Ryan is the current President fo the Australian Medical Photobiomodulation Association.
Associated Published Studies
Salmos-Brito. J, M. R., Teixeira. C, Gonzaga. R, Bra. B, Bessa-Nogueria. R. (2013). Evaluation of low-level laser therapy in patients with acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders. Lasers Med Sci, 28, 57-64.
Moraes. M, B. L., Quintans. S, Ribeiro. M, Maia. L, Conti. P. (2012). Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Applied Oral Sciences, 20(6), 594-602.
Demirkol. N, S. F., Bulbul. M, Demirkol. M, Simsek. I. (2014). Effectiveness of occlusal splints and low-level laser therapy on myofascial pain. Lasers Med Sci, 30, 1007-1012.