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Do you ever hear a clicking sound when you chew or feel pain around your jaw? You might be among the millions dealing with Temporomandibular Dysfunction Syndrome (TMD), a condition that doesn’t just disrupt your meals but your day-to-day comfort. At Rojo Light Therapy, we're always on the lookout for effective, non-invasive methods to alleviate such discomforts, and a recent clinical study sheds light—on how red light therapy could be a game-changer, specifically the red light therapy benefits for TMD.
Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (TMD), also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, TMJ disorder, is a common pain disorder involving the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms vary and may include recurrent facial pain and tenderness, joint sounds, limited jaw movement, headaches, and clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth.Â
Stress, age, and sex are well-established risk factors for Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (TMD), possibly due to stress-induced activation of muscle hyperactivity and subsequent fatigue. Other causes include articular disc displacement, rheumatoid arthritis, clenching, bruxism, and local trauma.
The clinical study conducted at the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, determines the efficacy of LED red light therapy benefits in treating TMD. Fifty dental students with TMD symptoms participated, with 40 females and 10 males aged between 19 and 24 years.
The study divided participants into two groups: Group A received LED red light therapy, which consisted of 18 (72%) females and 7 (28%) males, while Group B received a placebo treatment consisting of 22 (88%) females and 3 (12%) males. The LED device emitted red light at a wavelength of 660 nm, applied for three minutes per point on the affected TMJ and tender points of the masseter and temporalis muscles if present. The placebo group had the device placed near the tender points without the battery inserted but still ON.
The study revealed significant improvements in the symptoms after four weeks of receiving LED red light therapy compared to the placebo group. Key findings included:
Another finding of interest, however, was that psychosocial factors were also a major contributor to the respondents’ TMD symptoms: they were all high in measures of stress and psychological distress, which is not surprising in an academic environment. The placebo group, despite not receiving active TMD treatment, still showed some improvement, underscoring the psychological component in the perception of pain and symptom relief.
The therapeutic effects of LED red light therapy can be attributed to its ability to induce vasodilation, enhancing blood and oxygen supply to the affected area. This process aids in washing out inflammatory mediators, reducing pain and inflammation. Additionally, red light therapy can alter nerve conduction velocities, providing analgesic effects.
TMD patients have a significant reduction in pain, clicking, and the number of tender muscles when exposed to LED red light therapy. This adds support to the idea that red light therapy benefits include the treatment of TMD. With its non-invasive nature and minimal side effects, red light therapy stands out as a promising option for those seeking relief from TMD.
Red light therapy could be a new life-changer for those with the discomfort of temporomandibular dysfunction. Whether you suffer from this or another musculoskeletal condition, be sure to get in touch with us at ROJO Light Therapy UK, which supplies great quality red light therapy products. We hope you are as inspired as we are and can access the benefits of red light therapy soon. Visit our website or contact us for more information.
