FREE DELIVERY ACROSS THE UK, IRELAND AND EU COUNTRIES*
Cart

Evaluating Red Light Therapy Benefits: A Clinical Study on Temporomandibular Disorders

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.

What is Temporomandibular Dysfunction Syndrome?

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. 

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 Study: A Closer Look

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.

Unveiling the Red Light Therapy Benefits for TMD Patients 

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:

  • Pain Reduction: Group A experienced a significant reduction in pain levels from the baseline visit to subsequent visits. By the third visit, the effect size indicated a large reduction in pain, which continued to improve by the fourth visit.
  • Tender Muscle Reduction: A significant decrease in the number of tender muscles was observed in Group A from the second visit, with the effect size becoming larger by the third visit. In contrast, Group B showed improvement only by the fourth visit.
  • TMJ Clicking: Clicking in the TMJ resolved in all participants in Group A, while only three participants in Group B reported improvement.

Psychological Factors at Play

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 Science Behind Red Light Therapy

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.

Wrapping Up

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.

Ready to Try Red Light Therapy?

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.

You may also be interested in

A multi-wavelength LED light therapy machine enables you to address various health concerns

Why Multi-Wavelengths Matter in Your LED Light Therapy Machine

Red light therapy benefits can help boost energy levels

Red Light Therapy Benefits: Can It Help Boost Energy Levels?

Disclaimer: All ROJO light therapy products are considered low risk and designed for general health and wellbeing, they are not intended to cure or prevent specific medical conditions, diseases, or prescribe any course of action. The content on this website is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Before using our products, a health professional should be consulted, we are not medical professionals, so please contact your GP or health practitioner for medical advice.
Copyright © 2022 Rojo Light Therapy. All rights reserved. SEO Company Sydney by SEO Sydney.
US
Unlock your Discount
Looks like you are shopping from
Visit our US store
Select your currency
GBP Pound sterling
EUR Euro