To Investigate the effectiveness of Ultra Sound & Laser therapy in the treatment of patients with Temporomandibular joint Disorders.
42 Patients with the diagnosed condition of Temporomandibular joint disorders were taken up for the study. They were divided equally randomly into two groups. Patients in control group were treated with Ultrasound n=21 & experimental group with laser therapy n=21. Both the groups were put on common exercise programme, consisting of range of motion exercises, stretching exercises and postural training. Treatment consisted of ten sessions, in a period of 30 days. Active range of motion (AROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and muscle (masseter and anterior temporalis) palpation were used for follow-up analysis.
Pre & post assessment was done by another therapist who was blinded to the groups. Assessment tools were VAS for the relief of pain & measuring tape for recording the changes in range of motion of TM joint. Data were analyzed by Friedman test and ANOVA for repeated measurements. Results showed decrease in pain and increase in AROM for both groups (p<0.05), and improvement in muscle tenderness for the LASER group. Authors concluded that both therapies are effective as part of TMD management.
